Just For Today I will live one day only, forgetting yesterday and tomorrow, and not trying to solve the whole problem of life at once.

Just For Today I will be unafraid of life and death; unafraid to enjoy the beautiful and be happy. People are as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Just For Today I will adjust myself to what is, and try not to make everything over to suit me. If I cannot have what I like, I will try to like what I have.

Just For Today I will be agreeable, cheerful, charitable, do my best, praise people for what they do, not criticize them for what they cannot do; and if I find fault, I will forgive it and forget it. I will try not to improve or regulate anybody except for myself.

Just For Today I will have a plan. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have one. It will save me from worry, hurry and indecision.

Just For Today I will get off my nerves and not get on theirs. I will appreciate them for what they do and what they are.

Just For Today I will not show it if my feelings are hurt.

Just For Today I will find a little time for quiet, to relax and to realize what life is and can be, and get a better perspective of myself.

Just For Today I will look at life with fresh eyes and discover the wonder of it; I will knw that as I give to the world so the world will give to me.

So so sorry for you loss…I am so happy to have found your blog and see this amazing journey of you, your wife, and your family. You have all been truly inspiring and encouraged so many to fight like Susan!

Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for sharing such difficult times with us, you are a brave man who has done much good for his wife, his family and society. We are proud of you.

We’re all thinking of you and your family. Susan was not just an incredible fighter, but an amazing example for all of us of a person who didn’t let her disease define who she was. Thank you again for sharing all that you have with all of us.

My Deepest sympathies and respect to you and your family. I am thinking of you and Susan now.

I have only been acquainted with your struggle for a few months now but you and Susan have both been an incredible inspiration to me personally.

I know what I went through last winter with my mom, and what I’m gearing up to go through with my dad in a few months, and I hope that I can live up to your example when the time comes for dad. Damn I hate cancer.

Keeping you and your family in my prayers. I have been truly inspired by your blog and the fight that you and Susan put up against cancer.Such a horrible disease taking our loved ones too soon. Be strong and FIGHT LIKE SUSAN.

You, Susan and your family have been such an inspiration to me and so many others, and I know you will all continue to be. Susan leaves such a rich legacy. Imagine how we could change the world if we could all accomplish what Susan did in her too-short life.
Truly, my thoughts are with you and your children and all who loved Susan. Love and prayers surround you.

I’ll miss her, and I didn’t know her.
Can’t imagine how much you will too.
I’ve been expecting this post, but it didn’t make it any easier. Tears are still flowing.
Praying for you and your children and all your family Fatty.
FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!

I am very sorry. I first found your blog when PW helped you with a fundraiser. I read about Susan’s fight, and her strength despite her tremendous suffering was inspiring. Also inspiring was your love and commitment through it all.

If I had an ounce of Susan’s strength I could face any challenge. I am thanking her in my prayers for her inspiration. Thank you for letting us into your lives. I will hold you both in my thoughts as it has made me stronger to just see a glimpse of your life. God bless you, your kids, and all the others in this fight. Lance said he was crush hearing that Susan had passed moments after sending a tweet about her, but in a way, it was very appropriate. I would like to cheer her on for this leg of her journey.

Although I’ve only started reading your blog a few months ago, I too have been inspired by You and Susan’s everyday battle. She was such a fighter and I saw the love you had for her in every post. I wish you comfort in this most difficult time.

Fatty, lost my father in law to leukemia a day ago – I can’t say I know how you feel, but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan passed on with dignity, surrounded by love, and she continues to shine as a beacon to so many of us affected by this terrible disease. Her life had meaning for thousands – what else could we possibly ask for?
Be Strong, for you have so many pulling for both of you!

Susan left this world for another in which pain and suffering are unknown. Your pain will be real but you are destined to be together again in that new world. Stay strong, don’t be afraid to cry. In time, I pray the good memories being to outweigh the miserable days.

Have just retweeted my response and added the FIGHT LIKE SUSAN mantra. Such a lot of tweets mentioning her – I hope this wave of heartfelt response helps you manage a little of your grief.

You blog is a lovely mix of your passion for biking and your love for your family… and a tribute to Susan too. It seems hers has been a full life. And one that will no doubt make a real difference.
{Hugs}
BB

So sorry.
My Mum is fighting Breast Cancer way over in NZ. I told her about your Blog a while ago and she found real joy in it. Susan helped and will continue to help my Mum through her absolute balls out strength. Thanks.
Tracy

I am so sorry for your loss, but remember that it was not in vain. Susan fought the good fight and humbled us all with her selflessness and you have shown us how to be strong, even when you dont want to be.

I can only hope that my family never has to deal with this disease, but if we do, I hope we can follow the Eldon & Susan Nelson example of fighting cancer.

I’m very, very sorry for your loss. Your strength has been an inspiration to countless people. I know that mere words cannot heal the pain that you’re feeling, but you and your family will be in my thoughts.

Words are not enough to say how I feel… from a complete stranger who thinks you are a great family, my thoughts are with you. With your help, Susan made the world a better place by inspiring us with her courage and her strength.

Fatty, i keep typing and then deleting what i have written because words cannot begin to help ease any of the sadness and pain your family must be in right now. Your blog has touched and inspired so many and for that we thank you. I’m so very sorry for your loss and send love across the oceans from Perth, Australia.

LiveStrong for Susan and we will all continue to Fight like Susan! I hope I am as fortunate as her to have such a loving and supportive family and I hope I can be at least half the woman to my fiance as she was to you. All my best to you and your family.

We knew this day would come but each day when we read your blog and she was still hanging in there, still fighting, there was hope. Tonight there still is. Your story helped us all to see what really matters. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. God bless you and your children. Susan lives on.

Our absolute deepest condolences to you and your family, we think of you and your family constantly. You and Susan have been a huge inspiration to my wife (whose Dad passed away of cancer 2 months ago) and I to join the fight.

Elden…thank you for sharing your fight, Susan’s fight with all of us. You have uplifted and inspired…made me laugh and cry, often in the same post. I have donated to Team Fatty before in my father’s honor. Tonight my family donates in honor of your family and in memory of Susan and all she stood for. Peace to you. <3

A longtime reader here…feeling the weight of sorrow upon reading this post and hearing the news of Susan’s passing, but too, I feel a sense of relief for Susan, who fought so strongly and so bravely, and no longer has to. I hope she is peace and light surrounding you and your children, and that you feel her closely for the rest of your days.

I was deeply saddened when I read that Susan had died today. I am so sorry for your loss. Susan inspired many by fighting until the end and you have inspired as well with your love and devotion for her. God Bless you and your children during this difficult time.

Susan’s fight and your involvement in it have been and continue to be a source of great inspiration. I want to thank you for involving us all in it. Fighting Like Susan is something real that I and so many others now aspire to.

Take care man, and cut yourself all kinds of slack. Remember that there is no wrong way for you to be right now, and though it may not seem so, all will be well.

I wish you and your family more of the strength and courage you have shown, it is not an easy time, and all of you will be in my prayers. Susan’s story has inspired many people and I hope will continue to inspire. Thank you for sharing your story and hers with all of us.

You put it perfectly and I will strive every day to fight like Susan. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I have been incredibly inspired reading about Susan’s strength and her amazing amount of fight…

I found your blog through the ‘nowhere century and have followed it diligently since. I finally made the connection of our mutual friend Sam who has had everything positive to say about Susan’s will to fight. It is inspiration that will stay with me.

Your family is in our prayers tonight. May God bless you. Fight Like Susan.

I’ve been following your blog for about 2 years, but not like the last couple of months. I’ve been checking for news of Susan every day lately. Both of you have inspired me so much. I’m sorry for your loss. Somehow I think Susan would say she’s won, despite what we can see. God bless you and the kids and the family and friends who will help you through this. You are in my prayers.

I received this poem when my mom passed away from lung cancer in 1994. It truly helped get me through a very tough time. I am so sorry for your loss and I am inspired by Susan’s strength! She was very lucky to have you. Thank you so much for sharing your story of her courage. I know that she may have lost the battle in her own life but BECAUSE of her life she will live on and on and ultimately be a force to be reckoned with! I hope you enjoy the poem and that it heals your heart like it did mine.
Many blessings always-

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free;
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found the peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow;
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me;
God wanted me now, He set me free.
Author Unknown

Everywhere I go wearing my Team Fatty jersey, people shout “WIN SUSAN!” And Susan did win. Susan inspired Elden, who created Team Fatty. We are legion and we are growing. Team Fatty will live on forever in untold number of hearts and minds, and Susan will live on forever with us. Slumber in peace and in victory.

Susan was always an inspiration to me. She fought the same type of breast cancer that I continue to fight. I thought of her often while riding the pet scan machine and waiting for the latest results. I knew that she had blazed the path for women like me and I never wanted to let her down.

I am so sad that you have had to lose someone loved so much by so many that never even met her. Thank you so much for sharing so much of yourselves and inspiring so many.

It can never be enough but my thoughts are with you and your family. You and Susan have found an eloquent way to express how something so horrible has touched your family, transformed it, and allowed you both to do great things. Keep fighting.

I have greatly admired you and your family’s strength for some time now and you all are in my thoughts. They sure don’t make a whole lot of folks like you guys these days, and this world is a better place for having the Nelson clan in it. Susan passed far too soon, but through this community, her memory will live on and her fight will continue.

Elden, you and your precious children are in my thoughts. Susan’s victory was in the community her cancer created, we will all mourn her and celebrate what she brought to us. Her life, and yours, have such deep meaning to countless people, God Bless you all..

The lights go out all around me
One last candle to keep out the night
And then the darkness surrounds me
I know I’m alive
But I feel like I died
And all that’s left is to accept that it’s over
My dreams ran like sand through the fists that I made
I try to keep warm but I just grow colder
I feel like I’m slipping away

After all this has passed
I still will remain
After I’ve cried my last
There’ll be beauty from pain
Though it won’t be today
Someday I’ll hope again
And there’ll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

My whole world is the pain inside me
The best I can do is just get through the day
When life before is only a memory
I wonder why God lets me walk through this place
And though I can’t understand why this happened
I know that I will when I look back someday
And see how you’ve brought beauty from ashes
And made me as gold purified through these flames

After all this has passed
I still will remain
After I’ve cried my last
There’ll be beauty from pain
Though it won’t be today
Someday I’ll hope again
And there’ll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

Here I am at the end of me
Trying to hold to what I can’t see
I forgot how to hope
This night’s been so long
I cling to your promise
There will be a dawn

After all this has passed
I still will remain
After I’ve cried my last
There’ll be beauty from pain
Though it won’t be today
Someday I’ll hope again
And there’ll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

Wow. I never met Susan (or Fatty, yet), but I’m still crushed. My deepest condolences on to you and your family. Fatty, your stories about Susan and her fight against cancer have been an inspiration, and will continue to be an inspiration for countless people.

Thanks for sharing so much. Susan’s fight, and your writing, have helped make cancer so real and human for so many people. That is what will ultimately motivate us to end this disease and spare future generations such heartache. What a great, epic, couple. Thank you, thank you.

I have been praying for you all week. I have been afraid to check your blog. You and Susan share one of the sweetest love stories that I know of. I know she is resting with God. I will continue to pray for your family.

I’m heartbroken for you and for your children. I’m so sorry… Yet I am inspired by you and encouraged to know that there is an outlet available to channel this hate for cancer into a viable fight against it. You are all in my prayers.

I am walking in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in November, and I will be walking for your Susan & your children. I found your blog through Pioneer Woman’s and have been truly inspired by all that you have done. Keep up the good fight!!

I can’t believe I am crying and I don’t even know you, but I feel like I know you from reading your blog. I am so sorry for your loss. I admire your strength and Susan’s courage. Reading your story has been inspirational. Peace and love.

our thoughts are with you and your family! GO SUSAN!! we will be able to continue the fight based on the head start she gave us. now all y’all: go fight cancer! i’m gonna tell my cousin right now i love her, she just went in for her 3rd treatment. she is 31 years young.

My deepest condolensces to you and your family. Your family’s battle with cancer has helped me to appreciate my own family and to realize that nobody is immune.

On top of the great things you and Susan have accomplished in the fight against cancer, you’ve also helped others to see life, love, and family as what they really are–the most precious things in the world.

Oh Fatty…I’m so sorry to read the news. Susan was a true fighter, but so were the rest of you. She’s been an inspiration to so many of us…as have been you. The biggest hugs to you and your children. Wings to Susan.

Deepest sympathy from north of the border. The words before and I’m sure after mine are only a small example of the number of lives Susan and you have inspired and will continue to inspire in the months and years to come. take care

You and your family inspire me, Eldon, you really do. FIGHT LIKE SUSAN. She did not lose, but ho boy, what all of us who read this blog have gained by ‘knowing’ her and you. I wish you peace. I am so sorry.

Deepest sympathies to the fine Family Fatty. So very glad you were surrounded by love and support. I have no pithy advice, but I do thank you for inviting us all on what you made into a magnificent and intimate journey. Be strong, Elden, as we know you are.

You are all in our thoughts tonight Elden. I am still in awe of the strength humanity and even humor you all brought forth during this most difficult of challenges. I look forward to joining you again as you keep fighting like Susan. Be well and know you have all of us thinking about you and pulling for you and the kids now.

I’m so very sorry for your loss. I lost a friend nearly two years ago, and then a dear friend was diagnosed just last week at 36 weeks pregnant with her second son. I wish I had found your blog earlier, but I’m so awed by the fact that your wife’s journey has inspired so many to donate to finding a cure for this horrible, horrible disease. Sending thoughts of peace and comfort to you and your family.

Blessings and hugs to you and yours……..She was a winner and still is. You too. You both accomplished so much together and seperately.
Hang in there – time really will make it bearable and, yes, Fight Like Susan.

Fatty,
I can’t fully express my sadness upon reading your blog tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

I want you to know that coincidentally, I launched my own Livestrong fundraising campaign TODAY in honour of my aunt who is battling metaplastic breast cancer. I begin my own fundraising journey totally INSPIRED by what you and Susan have accomplished.
Thank you for everything you have done in the fight against this terrible disease.

I’ve been coming here occasionally from Ree at The Pioneer Woman and you, Susan and your entire family have captured my attention and thoughts. I’ve been checking regularly to see how Susan’s fight has been going and to see how your rides have been too. I am truly sorry for all of you who will be missing her even though I know she’s at peace now. May you and your family find some peace too. Hang in there and know you’re never alone. Blessings!

You are a good man, a good husband, and a good father. You are a man who brought people together around a cause that is so important. Susan’s pain is gone now. May God help you and your children heal and may God help us all be as strong as Susan showed us we could be. Fight Like Susan.

I’d like to offer my condolences for the loss of Susan. I didn’t know either of you and just came across this by chance in Twitter but what I’ve read tonight touches me. I lost my cousin Darrell to cancer when he was 27 and I was 19, some 30 years ago. The last time I saw him was Christmas Eve 1978, and he didn’t know I was there. He died Christmas Day. My aunt and uncle, who are still living are now in their 80’s and have never been the same. It’s painful to watch someone you love have their life taken slowly away. It’sadmirable that you’ve shared as you have and taken up the fundraising challenge to help beat back this disease. I’ve donated tonight in honor of Susan.

I’ve got tears in my eyes. I’ve been following your blog for a very long time now, and this post made my heart sink. I am so sorry and I offer my deepest condolences…your family is in my prayers. Stay strong Fatty!

I hope you know that all your readers are here for you. I know this sounds corny, but while I was getting married last week I kept thinking during the ceremony about your devotion to each other. I can only hope that if I try really hard, get really lucky, and eat my broccoli I’ll be able one day maybe to have that connection with my own husband.

You’ve given so much: to Susan herself in her most desperate hour; to the legacy of Susan, which now doesn’t rest solely in the minds and hearts of those who knew and loved her personally, but an entire community of people the world over who will continue to remember FIGHT LIKE SUSAN long after this dark hour is behind you; to the struggle against a disease in the hopes that others won’t suffer as you and your family have suffered.

And through all of your efforts we get to see a reflection of how *beautiful* Susan must be. Even though most of us don’t know her personally, we have to stand in awe of a person who has inspired such devotion–to Susan herself, to her legacy, to the fight against the disease that took her life.

We should all be so beautiful. We should all be so lucky in our love. We should all be so *brave*.

The hole in your life may be with you always, but I wish you loving memories, the tears and hugs of friends and family, the support of the survivor community and the continuing fight to soften the edges.

Life is not about winning or losing, it’s about the journey, where you go, whatever you do and what you share. Susan had a great journey, just not as long a one as we all hoped.
Thanks for sharing your deepest thoughts and lives with us all so openly; you, Susan and your children have been an inspiration and strength to us all.
Sorry for your loss, but wow do you have some great memories, fantastic family and support. Use them as much as you need now, I’m sure they will give.
Best wishes and I love the Winnie the Pooh quote posted by wishiwasmerckx.
John

Dammit. Words can’t describe adequately how sad I am for you and your family. A small part of me hoped for a miracle, even as I read your blog each day it was updated. I just checked Twitter and saw Lance Armstrong’s post and my heart dropped. Please know that Susan didn’t die in vain and your blog posts have inspired hundreds like myself to fight in her honor and others who have lost the fight and for those still fighting, to beat this ugly, twisted, brutal monster called cancer. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I am struck by how strong you and your children are and inspired by it. God Bless you and take care of you when you need it most.

Dear Elden,
I’m so sorry to hear the news none of us wanted to hear. Thank you for sharing your family with us over the years – its truly been a gift to everyone reading. May you find some comfort tonight in your family and beautiful children.

Elden, I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. As a cancer survivor and as one watching my mother herself fight the battle with breast cancer, I can’t tell you how much Susan inspires us. I shared with my mother her story as related through your blog, and all the good work you are doing. My mom is about as far away from the biking scene as you can get, yet feels deeply connected to Susan and you. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us both.

And while biking is noble enough to write about exclusively, I’m thankful your blog became something so much more than that.

We are fighting to win. Thanks for supplying so much strength and courage, and for doing so much real work to change how cancer affects us all.

Susan’s strength and spirit will be with you and your children always. She will continue to inspire, and her legacy will go on in more ways than you can probably even imagine. We are all crying with you now for the loss of her physical being. Please use this community for strength. I think I speak for every single reader when I say we are here for you.

I usually watch the TdF with my mother, but this year I was out of town… Today I had the pleasure of explaining to her the story behind Bob Roll’s shaved head, and telling her that I donated to your Livestrong Challenge team in memory of my granddad (her father) who died of cancer 12 years ago, and in honor of Susan.

Fatty, You have my deepest sympathies! I have relived the loss of my own wife through your blog! You and Susan have been and will be a inspiration to many that face cancer! We are all winners because of what both of you have shared! Stay Strong, LiveStrong for Susan, ride Leadville in her honor and may god bless you and your family!

I’ve been following your journey on and off, and I thought you would like to know that you and Susan have motivated me to try to cherish moments more than I ever have. My deepest prayers are with you, Susan, and your family.

I am so saddened by this news. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I am new to this blog– I discovered it a couple of weeks ago through Lance’s tweet. Yet, in this short time, I have been so moved by your posts and by Susan’s fight. You’re so right– she did not lose, she was an incredible inspiration to others and did much to raise awareness about cancer, especially breast cancer, and, through this blog, to raise funds for LiveStrong. And know that she was so blessed to have you. Your love and commitment to caring for her had to be a tremendous comfort throughout her illness and especially these final weeks. Not everyone is so fortunate. She made a difference, and so do you. Yes, we must all continue to FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!

My sincere condolences. I am sad to hear of your loss and am amazed at the strength and courage you and your family have had in the face of this battle. May God bless you with the knowledge that you are loved.

Susan is deeply blessed to have you and your family in her support. Not everyone has that at such a terrible time. May God be with you as you and your kids go through more grief and, eventually, healing.

Fatty,
I will keep Susan in my heart for she was a brave woman.
Pain will recede slowly. Your memories of her will remain.
She’ll not be forgotten.
Susan, you and your family are in my prayers.
Alejo (a shy reader)

You have my deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow. Susan and your family have inspired me, personally, as well as help me inspire others, and will continue to inspire me always, all the days of my life.
Peace.

Words can’t express the emotions my husband and I have felt tonight when we heard the news. Your family has been such an inspiration to us. You have become our family by including us in your joy, pain and your fight against cancer. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to fight like Susan.

You shared so much with everyone. Susan’s courage, and yours, has made a difference in so many others’ lives. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for fighting. Thank you for caring about others. We will ride in Philly and Austin in honor of Susan — and for my best friend Susan, who is fighting, too. FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!

My deepest condolences to you and your family – but bouyed, perhaps, with the knowledge that if anyone knows how to fight – it’s you and your family. All of you have been incandescent in your will to fight and fight on, and it will see you through. In a way, there can be joy in this – in that none of you gave up, none of you lost your humanity, joy, humor, strength. You knit yourselves into an unstoppable force… Peace, Susan… and peace, Elden.

I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m greatful that she was able to lead this fight and inspire so many to make the world more aware of cancer. Her courage was certainly fueled by the love of her family, and she is no doubt at peace knowing she’s done her part in making the world a better place through the many hearts she’s touched.

I’m so very sorry, Fatty. Nothing I say here will make it better. But know that you did everything you could for her, for yourself, for your family. This sucks royally. But Susan was lucky she had you by her side.

Susan found a way to let you go to Leadville. Go, and kick some butt. For Susan.

this is only my second visit to this site. i am so sorry and heartbroken over your loss. i am going to go have a big cry now. i will say a prayer for your family. prayer is the only thing that helps ease the loss.

She is truly inspirational… I again see how much so, from something my sister told me just days ago…

I learned of the gift she gave of a beautiful, beaded bracelet, which she worked on during the time my brother in law, Bry, had been to your home to help with some remodeling.

Susan had said to Bry that she wanted to do something for HIM while he was working for her, thinking of the time he was spending away from his family. She wanted to give back. She was always thinking of others.

I’ve worked on farms and from the start
The muckle horses won my heart
With big broad backs they proudly stand
The uncrowned kings o’er all the land
And yet for all their power and strength
They’re as gentle as a summer’s wind

Chorus (after each verse):
So steady, boys, walk on
Our work is nearly done
Nor more we’ll till or plough the fields
The horses’ day is gone
And this will be our last trip home
So steady, boys, walk on

Now you’ll hear men sing their songs of praise
Of Arab stallions in a race
Or hunters that fly with the hounds
To chase the fox and run him down
But none o’ them compare, I vow
To a workin’ pair that pulls a plough

And all the years I’ve plied my trade
And all the fields we’ve ploughed and laid
I never thought I’d see the time
When a Clydesdale’s work would ever end
But progress runs its driven course
And tractors have replaced the horse

As we head back, our friends have lined
The road to be there one last time
For none of them would want to miss
The chance to see us pass like this
They’ll say they saw in years to come
The muckle horses’ last trip home

I am so sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. No matter how prepared you are for this day, it is always hardy. My heart goes out to you and your family. You and Susan, with your open candor of the issues you faced every day with courage and humor have inspired and strengthened me. Your whole family has done great things! Deep peace to you……….

Our prayers and love from Pleasant Grove, too. Your accounts of Susan’s (and your) experiences have helped us realize what matters most. My wife and I will continue to fight like Susan, right along with you.

I am so sorry for the misery the disease put you through. Take care of yourself and your kiddies and I hope that from this day forward all goes better than anyone can imagine. You and your blog have done yeoman like work in advancing awareness of and commitment to fighting cancer. Should God exist he or she blesses you and yours.

I found you through Pioneer Woman’s site, and I want to say even though I only recently heard about you, Susan’s story was so inspirational. My thoughts go out to you and your children at this time. I wish I could hug all of you.

I wanted to write and send my sincerest condolences to you and your family, and also tell you how much it means to me to see how you and your Susan have fought and led against this disease. My mother-in-law, also named Susan, is currently fighting her own fight, and yours and Susan’s determination and dedication are and will continue to be an inspiration.

I am sorry for your loss, but I am glad for the inspiration that you & Susan have given to thousands of people. The strength, courage and dignity you have both shown, is the stuff most people could only dream of having in a situation like yours. Big hugs to you & the kids.
“Waking, I knew a dream, and the sadness like a pouring flood”
Wei Zhuang,Tang Dynasty

My mom died a year ago July 25th from cancer at age 55. I agree that they did not lose the fight…there is much more dignity in how they fought until the end! As the child that has lost a parent (even as a 33 year old woman) your new purpose is to keep the memory of your children’s mother alive. They may at some point have blurred memories of the way she talked or laughed so it is up to you. You must make their favorite recipes that she made. On their birthdays you must tell them what it was like the day they were born. On your anniversary you must tell them how you met their mother and how you dated her and about your wedding day. I absolutely treasure that piece of my history and realize I now have my dad’s memory (yikes :)) to remind me. Families Are Forever and may you live on the faith that you may one day be reunited as a family. May God Bless you and yours with peace at this time like only he can.

My heart aches for you and your sweet family. I am friends with your sis and have heard updates from her all of the time. I was hoping for the miracle for your family that I was not granted six months ago when I lost my thirty-two year old husband to cancer. Raw feelings are surfacing once again as I hear of your present suffering. May God bless your family at this difficult time!

Elden, I lost my mom to colon cancer a couple of years ago. I used to think ‘heart break’ was a metaphore but now I know better. I’m so sorry for your loss. I think I can safely say, this next while will be the worst time of your life–but it gets better.

Now would be a good time to use your superpower and delegate as much of the mundane responsibilities as you can. Take care of yourself now and let others take care of you and the kids.

My sincere condolences…it’s tough to lose those we love, but you made the best of it and fought for her and for the cause against cancer. My Aunt passed two days ago from cancer, she was 50, we’ll all miss her very much. Thanks for your continued efforts to fight Cancer.

Thank you Brother N for the example you and your family have always been. My prayers will be with you all. I know how hard it is to lose someone to breast cancer and I know the pain that comes with it, but there is always someone who knows every pain and sorrow. Sister N is now with Him. I love you all, love a long time friend from Heatheridge 5th.

Having had cancer twice, I’m overcome by this news. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Susan will live on in my heart, even though a complete stranger. She will give me strength. I will fight like Susan. I will Livestrong. I will do all I can to help defeat cancer.

When Susan died, I was holding my brand new grandson. I hope he will never have to face the cancer battle you and your family has had to face. Thank you for fighting so hard. Thank you for sharing Susan’s battle with us. Thank you for leading the charge.

I hope that your many wonderful memories of Susan will bring you and your family peace and solace in the days to come. She was an inspiration to so many.

I am of few words, but believe in the awesome powers of grace, courage and love. All of which transcends this life, and something we all witnessed in your very personal story about Susan. Thank you for sharing with us this inspiring lesson.

My condolances to you and your family. She has put in a huge fight and it was great to see she took everything cancer could throw at her and still managed to give you more time together. Cancer won another battle but because of people like Susan and what she has shown us, cancer will not win the war.
Livestrong Eldon!

I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing your struggles with us. May Heavenly Father bless you and your family to make it through the next year. Trust in him and he’ll help you out. He loves you and wants your family to succeed.

I just discovered your site a couple of weeks ago. Today, I saw Lance’s mention of Susan, and knew she had passed. Thank you for taking on this challenge, and Susan, thank you for your fight. May you rest in peace.

Heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family. Susan’s life and fighting spirit will not only be a forever memory, but a motivator to live strong, and fight hard for the best life can offer. It’s amazing how you have captured her life and your passions on this blog. I have never met you or Susan, but I have tears streaming down my face. They are tears of sadness of your loss and of pain for all those who have suffered at the blade of this killer. Let’s all spread the word to “Fight Like Susan”. It is my mantra for life from now on. Her name will never be forgotten.

Even amidst the suffering, Susan *lived* – and her life inspired so many others. And you, Elden, with your willingness to be so open on your blog, detailing the anguish and grief, but also the love and joy — you have profoundly touched so many hearts. Thank you, Elden for sharing your love and your life. And thank you, Susan, for your courageous will to fight.

Deepest condolences to you and yours. The way your family has turned your personal tragedy into a vessel for good has effected more lives in a way that can never be repaid. You are why the world can still be considered good. Your family has inspired me in a way that can not be expressed through words. Suffice it to say, thank you, and all of my positive thoughts are with you and yours.

I only started following your blog 2 weeks ago… I’m still in 2007 but you have provided more inspiration for biking and fighting cancer in those short days than I could have imagined. My mom recently was diagnosed with cancer – I want her to read this blog so she can be inspired to fight the way Susan did. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who fought with her.

Fatty, we are all sending you strength to get through this dark time.
Stay strong for your family and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with you in the battle to eradicate Cancer from our vocabulary. We will fight and win like Susan, thank you for sharing your experience with us and for letting us help in some all way..

Thank you so much for sharing Susan’s long and courageous fight with all of us. Although many of us have never met you tonight we feel like we lost a friend. We have followed you sometimes with a giggle and sometimes with tears streaming but one thing was always constant… it was always with much admiration and love. May the wonderful years you spent together and the memories you made as a family comfort you tonight. God Bless.

You and your family will continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. Thanks for sharing Susan with us, and I hope you will continue the fight in her name as long as you can. She has left a remarkable legacy with her grace, strength, perseverance, talent and style, living life with all those qualities and more. She fought and won on so many levels. Peace to you and may angels bike around you all in the days to come.

My mom is a cancer patient advocate and says that sometimes God takes the cancer out of a person, and sometimes he takes the person out of the cancer. I am so sorry for your loss, but I am glad that tonight Susan is out of the cancer forever.

My deepest condolences to you and your family and Susan’s…I am so, so sorry for your loss. We will all Fight Like Susan…she will be our inspiration to always fight. You will continue to be in my prayers for peace and strength.

Although you and I might share some similar hopes for a future reunion with our dearest friends and family, it doesn’t stop the hurt and the loneliness right now. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family tonight. God bless.

I’m so so sorry to hear about this. I come from Pioneer Woman’s site. Nothing can ease your pain, but hopefully sharing it with the hundreds of people that are currently supporting you gives you something to feel comforted by. I will be praying for you and your family. I hope you can find peace soon.

Elden,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please allow yourself the time to heal and take care of yourself. You are now embarking on another difficult journey, but may you find comfort in knowing that a part of Susan will always be there with you and your friends will continue to be here cheering you on.

Our thoughts and prayers have been with you and continue to be. We are so sorry for your loss, but grateful that Susan is in a place of peace. She is an inspiration to all and so are you, Eldon. Continue to Livestrong!

My heart and prayers are with Susan, your kids and you, please accept my condolences.
This is a time I never thought it would or never wanted to happen.
But I know you are strong and you’ll get through this.
This is the most difficult race you’ll have to ride, but sooner or later you’ll see the finish line.
I know that Team Fatty will carry on and be stronger tha ever on fighting this horrible disease.

I just wanted to say that I am deeply sorry for your loss. I don’t know how you feel, I can’t even imagine how you feel, but I just want to say that you and Susan have done an amazing thing for cancer. My mom has cancer, and it scares me to the bone, and if wasn’t for people like you and Susan, people like my mom wouldn’t have a chance.

It’s been a long journey, hasn’t it? And Susan was so very brave, every step of the way. And her inspiration was passed right along to all of us, thanks to you, Fatty. Her legacy will continue to ripple through both the cancer community and the bike community, bringing us all together in this fight that is so very, very important.

You’re right. Susan did not lose. We all gained. Generations will gain. All from her courage.

Cancer is a wily adversary. There are so many forms just of breast cancer. Progress is ongoing. My breast cancer which metastasized last year after 9 years in remission is being held in check with medications that were not available 10 years ago. Thanks so much for your valiant help in this battle.

So sad that a vibrant young woman is struck down while this 77 year old geezer is spared.

I lost my mum to TFC when she was about Susan’s age and I was 14. My dad was our rock through this. We can celebrate a life well lived, and her legacy in us. I trust you can too. Good luck – thoughts and prayers to you and yours.

My Mother, who like your wife was named Susan, and Aunt both died of cancer. My Mom when I was in grade school and my Aunt while I was a Junior in College. I am so sorry to hear that your wife’s death. I heard about everything that you are doing to raise money for cancer research.

Thank you for fighting the good fight. Hopefully, some day in the future, everybody will be able to win it. In the meanwhile, I can only offer my sincere condolences.

You have also shown us how to fight. We need to ban together even more to support each over in our battle. Cancer may be winning the game but we are catching up. We are he to support you. And we will fight like Susan.

Dear Fatty,
I’m sorry that Susan died. My heart sank when I read your news. Susan had so many strangers praying for her and thinking of her. My husband and I will be praying for you and your children. I feel like you guys are a part of our family. I am going to have a hard time going to sleep tonight.
Jessica

I will be thinking about you and the family…you are all inspiring and amazing and your story has been moving. (I use the word ‘moving’ because I don’t know of any word that holds enough weight to fit in it’s place).

I’m so sorry, Elden. Like so many others, I kept hoping and paying for a miracle in spite of what seemed imminent. May peace and comfort and the Spirit of the Lord be with you and your family now. Thank you for sharing yours and Susan’s story. It has been an inspiration and touched so many. Embrace your memories and draw strength from them for you and your kids. Continued prayers going your way.

I can’t express how devastated I am for you. Fatty, you have done so much already for the fight against cancer and I know you have so much more to accomplish. I hope you and your family continue to fight like Susan to win this battle against cancer.

I don’t leave comments here….not for lack of wanting to say anything….but mostly not knowing what to say.
Today is no different. I see you inspiring so many.
I see you loving your wife and family.
I see you hurting and aching, and being transparent.
If we all lived like this, and were able to die with so much love by our side….carrying on our legacy.
Then lives would be lived fully, and without worry of fading away into memories.
Susan lives on. Your journey has just begun.
Know that you are not alone.
And this young lady will be praying for you again tonight.

Dear Elden,
I’ve only just ‘met’ you. . . and the truth be known -I don’t really even know how to ride a bike. . . but I have loved and lost – my mother and more recently, her mother, my grandmother, over the past 15 months. . . . both to cancer. I wish you strength and peace to carry on and lead a happy and healthy family.
With deepest sympathy,
Trish

What can be said at a time like this? Please know that you and your family are in our prayers and in our thoughts. Your comments about Susan have made her an inspiration to all of us, and I hope you know what an example you have been of strength, and love through all the time I have been reading your blog. What a blessing for Susan to have a husband who so obviously loved and supported her and cared so tenderly for her. Give your children a kiss and hold them tight for me, and always keep their mom alive in their minds with lots of stories and memories of her. We send our love to you and your family.

With 486 comments there is probably nothing else to say but I wanted to let you know one more person found Susan and you to be in inspiration of really living life and of loving kindness to one another and everyone else. She left an amazing legacy of her family and will continue to bless the lives of others. That may not be any help now but may be later. I am sorry she is no longer here to walk the road with you.

The fight Susan put on 99.99% of us could never match. You’re in the 0.01%. Her fight will never end. It will live on in the spirit of those who knew her. It hurt when my girlfriend called and told me. She’s in a happier place now where this dreaded disease doesn’t exist & she doesn’t hurt anymore. She never lost. No one loses to cancer. Cancer loses to them, as every case makes us stronger at treating it and one step closer to a cure. Cancer can’t evolve. We can.

Keep up the good fight, Fatty. You are a true gentleman, and you and your family have, and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers There’s lots of love in the universe being sent in your general direction.

Fatty- you have verbalized a lot of the thoughts and feelings I have struggled to understand since my Dad passed last year. Thank you. The fight for Susan and against cancer will not lessen. My family will be praying for yours.

Susan was a fierce warrior who showed us how to fight with courage and grace. She is at peace now. May the love, compassion and tremendous admiration of your legions of readers across the globe enfold you, your children and family in comfort and peace.

Nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said. Thank you for being such a huge impact on the lives of so many. I think I’m going to call a few people and fix some relationships now…
Thinking about you, and sending some major hugs to a truly inspiring family.

By the way, Elden, I can spell and I know you aren’t Eldon. I just thought I would add that to my first comment, 2 hours and 250 comments later. Look at what a difference you and Susan have made. Thinking of you still…

Oh Elden,
I am so, so sorry. She was such an amazing person. So kind. Such a great artist. So selfless. So caring. Such a great mom. A wonderful writer. Funny. Smart. Optimistic. And such a quiet fighter. I will miss her so much.

I’ve been reading your blog for a couple months now. Your daily quest to find a little strength by getting away on a bike struck a chord. So did trading pulls with equipe Fat Cyclist in Seattle. You and Susan have a lot of friends.

But your courage is the part that’s really kept us reading. Yours and your whole family’s. Courage is contagious and you’ve all had an incredible amount to give. You and Susan are still giving it. Even now. Unbelievable.

I’m very sorry to hear that Susan is gone. The strength that you both showed through her battle has been amazing, and through sharing that battle and inspiring others to join the fight against cancer, you have made the world a little better place. Your goal in starting Team Fatty, to give Susan a legacy, has been more than realized.

Your family is in my prayers, and I hope it’s at least some comfort to see all the good that has come out of this ordeal.

I am so sorry for your loss. You are absolutely right, Susan has had a phenomenal impact on cancer fundraising, and is a personal inspiration to thousands and thousands. How many of us can say that after a lifetime? She will be missed, but we will push forward, fighting the good fight against cancer–prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Susan’s life will save others.

Shine on. You and your family have demonstrated an incredible amount of courage. I am grateful for everything you have communicated and shared with your readers. You must know we all owe you a large measure of what-it-means-to-a-part-of-this-world. Thank you for that spirit, Susan’s parents and Elden’s parents.

It has never felt weird or strange to well up with tears or openly cry about Susan or to be inspired about Susan’s (and Fatty’s) strength even considering they are 2 people I never really knew and will likely never meet. But I suspect many people following this blog the same. my condolonces to you and your family Eldon, and long may the fight continue.

My Heart goes out to you, your children and your family during this difficult time.
May Susan’s fighting spirit and passion lend you all strength.
Rest in peace Susan with the knowledge that the fight you started will be continued by the thousands that you have inspired and touched

Like everyone i hope that in some way our few heart-felt words remind you and will always remind you of the joy and inspiration your whole family has given to us, your friends from all over the world.

You have suffered and lost like so many of us have suffered and lost loved ones. some of us are lucky and have friends and family that, in time, help us get through the pain and the loss.

Thank you for sharing the roller-coaster you have been riding. The way you have dealt with everything that has been thrown at you both is nothing short of amazing. Truly, truly inspirational and i feel honoured you have allowed us to be a part of it all.

You and Susan are an inspiration to me, and will continue to be so. Thank you for sharing your lives, and your battles with all of us in the blogosphere. You and your family are in my prayers tonight and in the days to come.

I hope that in some tiny way it helps you & your family to know that Susan is honored by so many people across the world. We didn’t know her like you, but we can join in saying that she was a very special human being, an inspiration.

Fatty, you said Susan “showed the rest of us how to fight: with determination, focus, creativity, and outrageous endurance.” Well I just want to add that you have showed the rest of us how to love: with determination, focus, creativity & outrageous endurance. Thank you for demonstrating love like that.

My heartfelt thoughts & prayers go out to you and your children. I’ll be praying for you all in the days/weeks/months ahead. May we all live our lives well & love like you & fight like Susan.

I have only been reading for a month and I feel so blessed to have found you and thank you to your family for sharing your story. You are amazing people and I am sure that I can never know your pain. You have been so selfless to help others while fighting thru your own battles…what an inspiring family you are…peace and love be with you all.

I’m not ashamed to say I cried when I heard the news.
But your blog and susan’s inspirational struggle
has encouraged over 500+ people to join Team Fatty, and you have touched thousands and thousands of readers.
I will be fighting like susan, doing all I can to help raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.
This is her legacy: an army of fighters.

There can not be a reader of this blog who has not been awed, humbled and inspired by the experience of Susan, yourself and your family. This is not the time to measure your achievements or consider how to take them forwards but they should be acknowledged.

So sorry to hear. Thank you so much for sharing your story and Susan’s story with us, including so many personal and inspiring moments. I was led to your blog by my friend SBJ about a year ago. I have enjoyed reading your blog and your story and your fight. Sadly now it’s up to you to fight on your own, and with your children. You and Susan are an inspiration to so many, and may you and Susan continue to inspire generations to come.

I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thouhgts are with you and you family at this difficult time.
Susan’s strength was an inspiration even towards the end.
Take care and please continue with the blog.
With love xxx

I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I was thinking of you on my ride in to work this morning (proudly sporting my 2009 FC shorts), and the fact that Team Fatty is truly global; that’s a hell of a memorial for Susan.

Although I have never met you or Susan in person, I feel like I know you from following your blog for over a year now. Thank you for sharing your battle with us. We will continue to fight this terrible disease. Love and prayers.

We’ve all come to know Susan from reading your blog and will miss her greatly now. Her fight against this terrible disease was truly inspirational – as well as gut-wrenching and tragic. Lean on your extended family and friends for support in the coming weeks and take special care of those four little kids.

Our thoughts are with you now. We’ll keep on fighting like Susan down here in Australia.

Sincerest condolences to you and your family, Elden.
This blog is an inspiration to me and, by the looks of things, thousands of others.
I wish you the strength to forge ahead, and I shall remember Susan for the courage she showed.

Millay says it best:

My candle burns at both ends;
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends;
It gives a lovely light!

As soon as I saw the blog title today before the site fully loaded I knew, and I cried.
You and Susan have offered me the experience to see how awful cancer is. I’ve never had personal contact with the disease, but now I now that you, your family and most of all Susan are as close in my heart and my prays as my own family.

Your loss, is our loss. We all fight together.
I send you love, peace and rest.

Really sorry and saddened to hear the news about Susan. Reading your blog made realise I need to be grateful everyday for what I have – and that the trivial things that ’stress’ me from day to day are just that… trivial. Be strong.

Elden, now you are a survivor, as is my husband, he too helped his wife of 22 years, fight and die from Non Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2001. I shared your story with him, he knows intimately, the pain of the experience you & your family are going through. He is an incredible man, with 2 great sons who are men now. I see them as survivors of cancer, as you and your family are. I am so blessed that Ben and I found each other. I too know disease, MS is my battle and Ben chose to be with me knowing what I am living with, he is right back in the thick of illness, supporting me as we fight to live stronger every day. Thank you for the video “JOY” I used to ride the same trail and many others in the Wasatch. It brought goosebumps and helped me acutely remember that pure joy. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share your life with the world. It inspires me to say” I can do this”, I can try harder, I am not a victim, I can be stronger. live in each moment, live with love. Ride your Best in the leadville, just do it. Thank you. Go well Be safe

Susan isn’t gone- she is with you always. Every time you think of her, she is in the room. Every time you see your children, you are seeing part of Susan. She will be with you forever, still inspiring and fighting.

I never met Susan, but she has inspired me to raise even more money for cancer related charities and in particular Marie Curie Cancer Care so that the terminally ill and their families get the support they need.

oh, Elden…I’ve been checking this site a number of times each day, more and more concerned, and when there were no new entries I kept thinking…oh, please, no…you and Susan were in my thoughts all day today…and will be for many, many days to come.

A Spanish writer said once “Since we can’t make life longer, let’s concentrate in making it wider” I think Susan lived a wide deep life and you guys should be proud of that. I’m really sorry for your loss

Begin again to the summoning birds
to the sight of light at the window,
begin to the roar of morning traffic all along Pembroke Road.
Every beginning is a promise born in light
and dying in dark determination
and exaltation of springtime flowering
the way to work.
Begin to the pageant of queuing girls
the arrogant loneliness of swans in the canal bridges linking the past and the future
old friends passing though with us still.
Begin to the loneliness that cannot end since it perhaps is what makes us begin,
begin to wonder at unknown faces at crying birds in the sudden rain at branches stark in the willing sunlight at seagulls foraging for bread at couples sharing a sunny secret alone together while making good.
Though we live in a world that dreams of ending
that always seems about to give in
something that will not acknowledge conclusion insists that we forever begin.

You came into my life at a time a family member had been given a cancer diagnosis. Your family seems close to me now. Thank you for sharing and helping so many others by giving us Susan. Hugs from Sarasota.

Though I do not know you or your family, I express my deepest condolences and prayer. I hope that in some small way Susan’s death will inspire others to fight cancer even harder and that will be her immortal legacy.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

How I have deen dreading to type your site adress every morning. The news would surely came but I believed that maybe it would not happen, not if I typed real gentle, like when you cycle up a mountain in order not to wake the mountain up…
It happened, Susan has escaped the peloton and will lead us now, just like she has in the last months. I will try to follow.
My deepest simpathies from Portugal

Elden: You have created a huge community of people who are here to surround you and your family with love, caring and support. I hope you feel it, because you have given and continue to give so much to all of us. You inspire each of us to live our best possible life. Thank you. Please wrap your family in our loving arms for comfort. We are all here for you as you have been for us. Fight like Susan. She has taught us all and will continue.

It has already been said by so many people here and again, I have been so touched and inspired by reading your blog. I hope you can find some strength from the huge amount of support and love coming to you from all over the world as I know many others will find strength from reading your blog. Thank you for sharing with us and my deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Sarah
UK

Elden and Families, rest your hearts in the Grace & His peace you so deserve, know you are Loved, and cared for by many… as One, being watched over.
She is with the Lamb now. SO sorry for your pain and wishing you love and blessings.. God speed!!

If it is true what they say that you are not really dead until you ar truly forgotten then Susan will continue to be with us in spirit for a very long time.
For me you both have given the battle against cancer a face. Thank you for that.
I will wear Susan’s bracelet with even more respect and honor.
Wishing you all the strenght you will need, now and in every other difficult moment in the future.
Ingrid, Netherlands

I am very sorry for your loss Elden. God Bless you and your family at this time. Your blog has been such an inspiration to us all in so many ways. I feel as though we’ve all lost a friend, but at the same time she is no longer suffering. Fight Like Susan! Peace to you and your children.

You inspired me to start my own website about mountain biking and I’ve always found your site to be a real inspiration. I remember when you first broke the news about Susan’s fight. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when I read it and since that day I’ve found myself regularly thinking about you and your family. You’ve all been so incredibly strong for each other. May Susan rest in peace.

She is now in a better place and pain free. You guys have taken a terrible situation and turned it into hope for others. That takes a lot of strength and courage. My deepest condolences and prayers for you and your family.

Such a tragic loss, even when you knew it would happen. You’ve already shown yourself more than strong enough to continue the fight though. I think your kids have benefited from that strength, and will continue to do so. Best wishes.

You don’t know me, and this is the first time I’ve come to this website, having been directed here via a DailyKos diary. Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss, and my thanks for your channeling your grief to helping fight against such a cruel disease.

More than two years ago, we lost our 15-year-old nephew to a form of cancer that, by rights, he should have only gotten past the age of 40 after smoking his entire life. After 11 months of treatment, including surgery to remove most of his tongue, and then another one to replace a bone in his arm dissolved by a tumor, my nephew died relatively peacefully surrounded by his immediate family.

He and they were lucky to have a good health insurance plan and a huge amount of support from extended family, friends, and (once my nephew’s story started circulating) very kind strangers. After his funeral, I thought about the many, many people in America who were struggling with serious, life-threatening illness, and who had neither the informal support structure my nephew had, nor comprehensive health insurance and treatment. For some, their loved ones will die and not only are they left bereft, but they are left facing complete financial ruin. It should not be this way in America.

I contribute to my nephew’s memorial team in the annual Race for Life held in his home town, so I will not be participating in the drawing for that lovely bike. (As I live in France, both the shipping and the customs fees would be daunting.) But I thank you again for being proactively engaged in finding a cure for the dreadful illness that took your wife.

What a wonderful example Susan has given her family and all of us, with countless lessons for how to live our lives right to the end. She is in every way a winner. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

I am currently recovering from a cycling accident, having come off and fractured my pelvis. However with time on my hands I was able to find this site through Lance Armstrong. So much of life is about perspective. Having read of some of the experiences of you and your family, I have a new perspective about my own situation.

Hopefully I will return to my bike and regain my fitness. This will be a new challenge. Those first rides back on my bike will be for you all. You remain in my thoughts.

In going through the absolute worst anyone could imagine, both you and Susan brought out the best in each other and many, many other people. I’m so glad that you had so much of your family with you when this finally happened. The love you all have for each other has been obvious throughout this blog and it’s what will carry you through.

There are no words to make the pain go away now. I have unfortunately been expecting this post, but was sad to see it today-my heart dropped. How amazing you, Susan, and your family have been and will be in the future!

May the peace that passes all understanding be with you and your family. Susan has been such an inspiration, AS HAVE YOU. You’ll never know how many people you’ve touched, but please take a moment and feel all of us there, at your back, supporting you. I’m so sorry for your loss, and thankful for Susan’s life.

I’m so very sorry. I’ve been afraid to open your blog the past week because I knew that it was impending and felt so helpless. Then I thought of Susan and of her huge fight and your fight and helpless just doesn’t fit into that equation. I’m in the Netherlands but will fight cancer here with Susan at the helm. I was a cyclist in the early to mid ’80’s (road) and love to follow your blog and your fight. Please accept my condolences and I wish you strength in the coming time which you will need to adjust. But Susan will always be there. I was widowed at 26. Husband was a professional cyclist riding for PDMagnetics in the late ’80’s (when Greg LeMond was the lead rider – Sean Kelly – Pedro Delgado etc.). He died of a heart defect but that wasn’t made public until all of the rumors re: EPO use etc. were vented. It tainted his memory (not for me) but feel free to look him up. He was Dutch national road champ in 1987. Died in 1990 after the Sicilian week (pre-season) and finished the tour in 1989 a very proud cyclist. Johannes Draaijer. So, I know what it’s like to lose the one you love. Peace to you.

Dear Elden and family,
God bless you and yours always. Susan and you all fought a brave fight and taught us so much about love, honor, friendship, caring, inner strength. I feel you are a nurse now Elden. You have joined the millions of us throughout time who loved and cared for our family who needed us through pain and suffering. I hope you have some peace. You were the BEST BEST husband to Susan. She is watching over you now smiling and happy waiting for your next bike adventures. God bless you always.
MB

Elden–my deepest condolences and wishes for peace for you all. Your story has terrified and inspired me. 3 years into my own marriage I cannot fathom the fight and torture you’ve been through, and the possibility that I might also have to experience that is horrifying and terrifying.

But your response, your bravery, and the way you have converted your energies has truly been inspiring, and makes me hopeful of the sort of person I and we all can strive to be.

Her memory will stay strong as she has already become a symbol to those fighting the disease. She seemed to be a remarkable and unique woman. I can’t begin to imagine your suffering, but I trust that you begin a new phase in your life and a whole new fight with renewed vigour and strength.
Suzan didn’t lose. Her body may have been beaten but her spirit never was.
Suzan Won.

I went through a similar experience two years ago. Please be strong in knowing you did everything possible for her. Comfort each other. It doesn’t make it easier, but know the pain will get easier and soon, you will be reliving the good times, not these last few months.

I read this early, as I am up early for a ride before work. This morning I ride for Susan!

When the sun goes down beneath the horizon,
It is not set, the heavens glow a full hour after its departure,
And when a good person dies,
The sky of this world is luminous long after they are out of sight,
Such a person cannot die and be lost from this world,
For when they go they leave behind much of themselves,
Being dead they speak.

My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and your family. You are a man blessed with the gift of courage, strength, and family. These will help you see through these tough times. God bless you

May you and yoour’s find some consolation by this song from a German, who loost his wife and brother within a week by cancer:
the wind will slice
the air like ice
and seabirds screech at me
the elements
will darkly duel
but your lighthouse i see
i stand awake
and grip the wheel
against a violent sea
i’m climbing up horizon bound
because that’s where you’ll be

I won’t offer prayers as they are not who I am but I will offer thoughts of healing and condolence.

Your story has touched me. I am inspired that at the same time you cared for your wife and family that you still found the time for your passion. Be with your family but take some time for yourself on your favourite trails to find healing in your passion. Ride for Susan as that is what I think she too would want.

Fatty, I am soooo sad for you. My daughter’s best friend died of breast cancer 2 years today in much the same way as Susan. I have been sharing parts of your blog with my cycle group, the funny bits, and they have loved and laughed with you. My best wishes and thoughts, Jeannette.

Eldon, no words can change the way things are, but know that the actions of yourself and Susan have inspired thousands of us to fight along side you. Take comfort in what you’ve all ready accomplished and knowing that what you continue to do in the future will honor her life. We’re here fighting right with you.

Of course its a sad time for those left behind but we all know in our hearts that Susan has won and is now no longer suffering the bonds of this world. Elden, be strong for your children as your collective family will be strong for you. LiveStrong!

God bless you and your precious children. You have showm them how to be a true companion. WIN SUSAN! May you be surrounded by the love of God and may his arms be wrapped around you and your family.
God Bless. Keep Fighting.

Last night was the night we’d all hoped would never come. I’m very sorry for the loss of your wife and the mother of your children. She was a very special woman who changed lives. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Thank-you for sharing with us and having the bravery to bring Susans fight to the attention of the world. I’m finding it hard to put into words how sad I am to hear about Susan. My wife has gone through breast cancer at a young age and had to endure surgery, chemo, radiation and a long recovery. We all need more people like you to inspire us all and fight this bastard cancer and be rid of it one day forever.

Goodbye Susan, you will never be forgotten by people who never met you but have all been touched by you.

My condolences to you and your family. And my thank you to Susan for sharing her story thru your blog. May she rest peacefully among the angels as she watches over her loved ones. Susan is an inspiration!

I am so sorry to hear Susan is gone. I have been reading your blog for years and have never written to you until now. I’m sure there are many thousands of people like me who have laughed and cried while reading you blog. All of us are thinking of you and your family today. We will all miss Susan and send you our love and condolences.

John said it best – her fight is over and ours is not. Thanks for sharing your very soul during this fight and letting those of us who have family fighting cancer know that we are not alone in our anger, despair, and hope.

It is hard to know what to say, which is the situation you face every day. And yet you write — to and for all of us. Thank you. Thank you for sharing your experience and for telling the truth. Thank you for fighting cancer. Thank you for sharing yourself with all of us. Thank you to Susan for allowing you to share her experience.

I’m a 4 year breast cancer survivor (married to a road biker) — I hate the fact that so many people are afraid to talk about or think about cancer. You have helped to break through the barrier a bit. And you’ve raised a lot of money and done so many good things.

My heart goes out to you and your family today and always. I think about you guys every day, and I will continue to do that. I’m sending you strength and love and hopefully some wonderful, healing bike rides.

I’m so sorry for your family’s pain. A dear friend of mine also lost a loved one to cancer this week. I hope your family can find some peace and grace in these days and that your memories of Susan will be full of joy! Just don’t stop talking about her. I have lost my father and brother to terminal illness and share stories about them to my children, who also talk about them (and they never knew them). Memories and pictures are a gift!

I knew how the story would end, but I still gasp. I won’t say Susan lost. I promise. We prayed for you, Susan and the kids last night as a family. Our prayers will continue.
Condolences and blessings, Chris and Family

Elden,
I’m so so sorry for your loss. The courage and hope that Susan, yourself and your family showed through this very very difficult time will be the legacy that you leave. My prayers go out to you and yours.

I feel your loss albeit in a small way but Susan’s story has inspired me and she lives on in my heart and mind though I never met her in person. My thoughts, admiration and pride go out to you and your families during the difficult days ahead. I can’t imagine the journey your family has been on but I like to think because of reading your story, that I would at least have the handbook on how to handle it with class, dignity, humility and determination throughout the entire battle.

Woke up and read the news. Then I biked to work, thinking about it on the way.
I have been reading your blog for the last 2 years, made a few comments, but nothing like the bunch that always were ready with a comment.

My wife asked why I was sad today, and I replied, a friend’s wife passed away.
I might not have met in person, but like many here, I followed your blog daily. We might be all over the globe (Mexico my case) but we all are with you in these moments and our thoughts are with you and yours.

Condolences to you and your family, you fought side by side with Susan. There are no words to say to try and make this better for you, but I am thankful that Susan is free from pain and that you all were with her. I hope you take comfort that lots of strangers were rooting for you and Susan and are sending their wishes across the information superhighway from across the globe. x x x x

Guess I’ve been waiting for this post for awhile. My God, did she fight hard and courageously! What an inspiration.
I will make a donation in her name and in my father’s name and in sister-in-law’s name and the in the name of the lady who works at the thrift store I frequent who has lost her long brown hair to chemo.
Take care of yourself and your family.
You’re in my thoughts and I’m about to go for a ride so I’m gonna dig out my FC jersey and wear it in her honor.
Jennifer in Tampa

Oh, Fatty… If Susan lost, then I want to lose as good as she did. The sun is a little darker, the sky a little less blue. The bird’s song is less sweeter, and the hill is a little higher. This damn bike just isn’t going as fast… We’ll all miss Susan. We are so proud of her, and you.

What a shame that all the good Susan and yourself have been able to bring to the rest of the world came as such a great expense to your family. I would have never guessed I could be so moved by strangers on the internet, but you have taken something that, unfortunately, many have to live through privately and managed to turn it into something public and positive for the rest of the world to benefit from. You are a great man Elden, and along with Susan have been a great inspiration to so many. Keep up the fight, the world needs people like you.

I was sad to read that Susan had passed. My family prayers are with you and your family and God are with you and your children. You and Susan have made a difference and I am sure both of you will continue to do so. God Bless you.

An inspiration to me, I will take the lessons I’ve learned from Susan with me as I make my way through the challenges that I encounter. Strengh, reseiliency,humor. tenacity, and grace. My ptayers are for all of you.

God Bless Susan, you, your children and all your family at this time and the days, weeks, years ahead. My deepest condolences to you all. Susan was an inspiration to all that knew her, and to those of us who didn’t. Thank you for sharing your most precious journey with all of us. I am so sorry for your pain.

Elden – I am so sorry for your loss. I just lost my Mom to cancer 7 months ago and can’t imagine what it is like to lose your life partner and love. I know there is nothing I can say to help ease your pain. I will be riding in the Philly LiveStrong Challenge and will be thinking of Susan and your family.

I dont know you and didnt know Susan. but my heart goes out to you. my 2 yr old grandson Aiden battled ATRT brain cancer and earned his wings 4 mo after being diagnosed. i promise you just like i promised Aiden i will use the rest of my life to fight cancer.

Fatty -
My husband follows your blog religiously and often forwards me the status of your wife. I sit here crying as I hear the news and I have never even met you. I despise this disease. My friend continues her 10 year fight against breast cancer so finding a cure for this wretched disease is close to my heart. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I am just incredibly sorry.

Thank you Elden, for giving us men the tools and the inspiration to “step up” for the Susans in our lives. You have showed us how to take up the fight when it’s difficult to see our loved ones hurting. It’s what true men do. I hope I can “Serve Like Elden” if it ever becomes my turn.

I know that Susan is right now putting on a team Fatty jersey saying “It’s my turn to ride with you Elden” and on the back of the jersey it doesn’t say “Win!” her’s says “I Won!”
May God’s peace and comfort wash over you and your family Elden.

my father tells me everything that he reads on your blog, the ride downhill/uphill with one of your daughters and every single video you have posted i have watched

i am extremly sorry for you loss, i thank you for all the fundraising you do for cancer, i have lost my grandfather to many different types and i know how it feels, not exactly but of sorts…

i hope that everything gets better soon, and that susans memory never fades :)

you are a good father for what you do for your children, a good husband for how you looked after your wife and a good man for coping as well as you would have. many of us would not have coped as well as you have

Wow…no words to say that haven’t been said already. What an amazing lady Susan is…the inspiration when combined with your forum & abilities created a reaction which inspired people around the world and lead to $500K for LiveSTRONG. I say $600K is in reach..

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children today and through the coming weeks and months. I’m so proud that I got to “know” you and Susan through your blog. Thank you for sharing her story and yours. Fight Like Susan is beautiful…

Susan, you and your family have been a great inspiration, my sympathies are with you. I’ve only known you and susan through this blog and countless links to it but I have grown attached and am devastated to get this news.

What she leaves behind in her family, in her friends, and in her countless supporters is a testament to the best kind of life. She fought for every minute, wrung out every bit of life she could, and left a legacy of faithfulness, courage, and strength that will help carry those who have to now go on without her.

Thank you to both of you for sharing your strength with so many people. The fight goes on.

I am so incredibly sorry. I am praying for you and your family. You all have been so strong, and Susan the strongest of all. Thank you for sharing with us and allowing us to be educated, encouraged, and inspired by Susan’s fight. Susan won, in ways never imagined.

I started following you’re blog two weeks ago, because Lance had put a link on his Twitter.
I was touched by you’re story.
I understood Suzan was very sick but I didn’t know how quickly after I started reading you’re blog she would pass away :(
Thanks you for sharing you’re story.
I wish you and you’re kids and everybody who was close to Suzan all the best, my thoughts are with all of you!
Suzan will always be around, watching over all of you guy’s! I’m sure of that!!!

I did not want to see this post in my Reader, Eldon. I’m so sorry. But I will tell you that Susan’s bravery and determination has inspired me so much to live my life to the fullest. And your words have given a voice to her fight against cancer. My prayers are focused on you and yours.

I saw you through Pioneer Woman’s website. Peace to you and your family. Thank you for inspiring others with your story. I will be walking in the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure this weekend in Kansas City in honor of some people very dear to me also. Keep up the fight!

Elden,
You don’t know me, but I’ve read and enjoyed your blog for a long time. I lost both my parents to cancer, and have followed your wife’s fight and the extraordinary way you’ve channeled your energy to fight for a greater good, while caring for your wife, with great admiration.

My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family, and I pray for Susan’s spirit to live on in your children and in your efforts against cancer.

I’m so glad that you opened your family’s and your own struggle up to your readers. I started reading for the cycling jokes, I stayed because of your and Susan’s humanity and courage. My deepest condolences…

Elden, I’ve been a long-time reader, no-time commenter. I’ve been stingy with my money. But not today. Today I donate to the Fight Like Susan cancer research fund. Today I hug my kids a little closer. Today I kiss my husband like he’s never been kissed before. Thank you for helping us remember how precious and wonderful life is.

I went for a ride yesterday morning and wore my Team Fatty jersey. Got a few thumbs ups along the way as people read the back. I wonder how many people were out yesterday with the WIN on their sleeve. Have you and your family in my prayers and will be thinking of Susan on the road today. We all know that Susan has won.

Elden,
As a long time follower, I have seen the most courageous fight by you and your family. I know that condolences don’t take the hurt away, but know that you and Susan have insipred us all to FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I do not die.

I was thinking of you and Susan the other day when I saw some Fatty’s bike the other direction around Mercer Island. So sorry to hear this news. Our thoughts are with you and Susan/You will be top of mind as we train for and ride in Austin.

Fatty-
I’ve been reading your site for a long time. I was reading it in December when my father an otherwise strong 57 year old was diagnosed with late stage stomach cancer. I was reading the April when he lost his fight after only 5 months. Not a day goes by when I don’t miss my dad. Nothing I can say will ease your pain, and I’m truly sorry for you loss. I am also very thankful for all of you efforts. Hopefully, because of what you are doing to raise both funding and awareness, someday we will actually be able to defeat this awful disease.

Wow! Look at the community you and Susan have inspired. I am truly awed and amazed to see such goodness come from such a terrible situation. I second the multitude of comments above (cause they all say it so well). Even though, I’m tearin’ up from the news, my head is thinking back to your post a few days ago – Leadville or not. I think Susan really wanted you to go and so did she. But she wasn’t able to in her current condition. The gang should go (even the kids) and make it an incredible Susan “kicks behind party” with all of your closest friends. Although, I can imagine the next few Livestrong Events will be chock full of celebrating Susan!

Thank you for sharing your life with us. Susan will always be in inspriation to me because sometimes winning a fight has more to do with how it happens than the end result. I’m so very sorry for the loss of your special wife, mother and friend.

It was with great sorrow that I read that God has recalled another angel.I am so sorry for your loss.Your family have been an inspirationThankyou so much for sharing Susan with us all.My thoughts & prayers are with you & your wonderful children.Godspped my friend

Mine and my family’s thoughts are with you Elden and the kids. We will never say she lost and your journey with your own fight against cancer, the lives you have touched and the people you have inspired is just beginning.

I know how hard this is for your children. I watched my Mother die a long slow and painful death. You begin to pray for an end, but when it comes it’s no easier to bare.
I can’t imagine how this must be for you. To lose the person you choose to spend the rest of your life with. That must be hard too.
My prayers are with you all.

God’s peace and comfort be with you and your family. She is holding her head up high up there with God. I know you are so very proud. My thoughts will especially be with you in these next few weeks. I have been there, having lost a husband, and it seems after a few weeks, reality really sets in. Cherish the memories, cherish the memories. God bless you all.

Dear Elden,
I too found you through Lance’s twitter and have been truly moved by your family’s struggle and am saddened to hear about Susan’s passing. I took up triathlons this year and my mantra is “it’s gonna hurt, suck it up” because basically swimming is hard, but cancer is harder, riding is hard, but cancer is harder, running is hard, but cancer is harder. I’m sending you all my love from Oakville, Ontario Canada. I’ve got my next tri in two weeks here in Toronto. I’m dedicating it to you and Susan.

condolences from kansas city here. ive been following your blog for years now. feel like i know you guys on a personal level, my heart aches for you. i have been incredibly inspired by your strength and positivity, by susan’s strength, and by the strength of your children.

you are a strong man and you will get through this, and will undoubtfully have many people to help you with this part of the journey of life. take care, elden.

Condolences from New Jersey. Your strength and that of your kids, friends, and family will get you through this. You and Susan have touched more people than you will know. Keep fighting the good fight.

Elden,
My thoughts and prayers are with you today. This is absolutely heart wrenching to see, but her fight inspired something amazing. I know, I just know that you’ll continue this fight and make her life, and this horrible disease, into something amazing.

Sending you my thoughts and prayers, Elden. I’ve directed my tens of readers to your site. I hope in this difficult time you can feel the collective embrace and gratitude from everybody whose life you and Susan have touched.

I’m a relative newcomer to your blog, but have been deeply touched by everything you’ve gone through and the moving way in which you have been able to share your feelings and experiences with us. My deepest, most sincere condolonces to you, your family, and all of your and Susan’s friends. My thoughts are with you in Washington, DC today…

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for allowing this community of strangers and friends to be part of the journey, and for providing a way for all of us to fight for and with Susan. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during the next few difficult days and weeks.

You don’t know me–and I don’t know what to say but I am amazed at your entire family. Your strength, your pain, even your dedication to cycling amazes me (I need to get out of an exercise rut), and I just know that amazing people like you will again be happier, have the more peaceful life beyond cancer that you deserve. I just wish your family happiness and peace.

Your recent posts brought back my memories of the summer of 1996 when we lost my Mom to Lymphoma. It is really hard when someone you love has to go through that. Know that the hurt will heal some, but not all the way (which is a good thing IMO), and you will be able to enjoy the good memories. I think of my Mom as a guardian angle for our family, and Susan will now fill that role for you and your sons. Keep the faith and know that all of us in the cancer community are with you.

I did not know Susan and it has been a long time since I have seen you Elden, but Kellene and Rocky have kept us posted on her battle that by default became your battle too. I am sad for you and your sweet young family. This is a huge trial. I don’t know how to cope with this kind of loss, I just know that God will watch over you and that through His merciful plan you can be together again. Without that knowledge it would be an unbearable loss. May God and His angels bless you in the coming days weeks and months that lie ahead.

Through your blog I’ve been able to witness cancer in a way that I’ve never experienced before. I have been deeply moved by Susan’s struggle, and by your ability to cope and keep your humor through it all. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

like many others — landed here some weeks ago via Levi Leipheimer’s (if I remember correctly) and LA’s twitters.
like many others — a stranger.
like many others — praying for your family and that same spirit of endurance your wife clearly had surround you & your boys.
Once my husband is home tonight we’ll be looking into where we can throw our support. I figure my old stomping ground of Philly will probably do just fine.
H in Alberta, Canada

One day i found my way to your blog via the pioneer woman and I was hooked. I haven’t been on a bike since I was a child, I know nothing about cycling and I don’t know your family, but I was hooked. For a few days I couldn’t figure out why I was always drawn to your blog to read about something I knew nothing about. One day I figured it out. It was/is your devotion and love for your wife and children. Thru your blog I could feel the love you felt, the devotion and the compassion. I wish you and your family peace and love during the months and years ahead and I will continue checking in often and even though I still don’t ride, I can appreciate your passion for the sport and your family.

Saw this last night and fell asleep with tears in my eyes. So much love coming your way. Good advice up there somewhere- let others do the pulling for a while, you’ve earned it.
Going home from vacation and donating more to my page in Susan’s memory.
Love love love,
jenni

Elden, you and Susan are an inspiration for all of us. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that the strength of your family and your community will see you through. We’re all standing by you, fighting like Susan.

My most heartfelt condolences to you, your children, Susan’s family and yours. May you all find peace and comfort in your memories of Susan’s courage and your mutual commitment to making her life count. Susan’s legacy will be a blessing for many, many people.

I cannot imagine the grief that you and your family are coping with right now. I only hope that the thoughts and prayers of all these people brings some comfort, so I add my own thoughts and prayers to theirs.

My prayers go to you and your family. Please take comfort in knowing that Susan no longer feels the pain of this hideous disease. My hope is that you and the kids cope with the pain of your loss.
May God bless you all,
Bruce

Thank you so much for sharing Susan’s story and inspiring so many people to take up the fight with her. My heart is sad for you, but knows that she is now an angel. Prayers from Team Fatty Michigan Fighting For Susan.

You, Susan and the rest of your family have been a shining example of how to deal with adversity. I hope that I would be able to manifest half of the grace you’ve exhibited under half of the stress you’ve undergone.

Elden,
Susan fought and led a powerful charge and even though I don’t know you all personally, the Nelsons changed my life. You too have set a beautiful example of courage and determination and love. I thank you for sharing your very private experience with the world and pray for you and your family that you find stength and peace in your heart and continue the fight against this horrible disease. You, Susan and your kids have inspired me so much.

With spirit like yours and everyone who has shared their condolences, Susan will live on for a very long time. I can only imagine the pain and loss you are going through and even though Susan can’t be with you and your family she has moved on to a much better place where pain and suffering have no business hanging around. Stay strong and lean on family and the many friends you have here at Team Fatty.

The past few weeks I’ve thought it would be a relief when the end finally came. But I burst into tears when I read the news.
“I didn’t even know her,” I sobbed to my husband. “Yes, you did,” he said, “though his blog.”

You have shown me that suffering together is preferable to living without the one you love.

tears flow; words fail. But the he incredible gift you and Susan have given us all shines in this dark time.

Thank you both for sharing your story, for leading the fight. The courage, grace, and inspiration you both provide will long stand as a testament to the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

Peace and strength to you and your family now as you work through this horrible, painful time. You are all in my prayers.

Elden, Our family thanks you, your family and especially Susan’s courage and endurance in leading the battle against cancer. Susan inspired so many. Your family has been in our thoughts and prayers for months. May you and the kids find the comfort and support you need.

She has been released from her pain and confusion.
She has not lost rather she has won.
She will lead the fight at a higher level.
She has not left you as she is there in the faces and hearts of your children.

FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!!!

Us other mear mortals hold you in our thoughts and grieve for your familys loss of a guiding light.
You are strong and will hold the family up in this terrible time that you now journey through.

I was introduced to your family by Ree when she did the fundraiser/giveaway. I have been following your blog since. I have wanted to comment many times to encourage you and Susan and your family as you all battled cancer. I had nothing different to say then the many people that love you and expressed concern and sympathy so I didn’t. But today, I want to tell you that my heart is heavy. My deepest sympathies to you and your children and your family. I pray that you will find peace in knowing that Susan is well and painfree and dancing in heaven. You have been a loving caregiver and an inspiration.

You and Susan have inspired legions of us to fight the battle as evidenced by the swelling Livestrong team and > $500,000 so far. The well wisher comments like this (1121 comments already at 7:21 AM on Thursday) are a testimony of her spirit. Susan is at rest now, its up to all of us to honor her memory and persevere in the fight against cancer. Be strong, we are with you.

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, ‘There she goes!’

Gone where? Gone from my sight … that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, ‘There she goes!’ there are other eyes watching her coming and their voices ready to take up the glad shouts ‘Here she comes!’
~ by Henry Van Dyke ~

I would say I am so sorry for your loss but Susan was not a loss at all. She was in inspiration and a fighter!!! Determined!!!! I am sorry that you all are left behind but what a lesson she not only taught you all but all of us bloggers and blog readers!!!. Plus…she will continue to touch lives for many years to come! I am sorry for you all and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Wow…so very sorry for you all. Just got the news via Lance Armstrong tweet…which is also how I learned of your blog within the past couple of weeks and now check it daily…numerous times. My deepest condolences…

Fatty my heart goes out to you and your family. What an incredible woman your Susan was and what a legacy of strength she has left for your children. I hope you can find some solace in this hardest of times. Let people take care of you too.

You may never read this due to the sheer volume of comments, but that volume ought to tell you just how much you and your family have touched the lives of those around you. I have never met you or Susan, yet my heart breaks for you and your family. Thank you for rallying a great group of people around a fight that must be won. My prayers are with you and I donate and fight in Susan’s honor. God be with you at this difficult time!

Fatty, the amount of money you have raised pales in comparison to the number of people you and Susan have inspired during this fight. No words can express my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Wearing the Team Fatty kit this Saturday will mean more than it ever has before.

Our thoughts are with you Elden and family. Our prayers will be for you. Susan has thouched so many lives through your amazing words- my life is better for having been able to view yours. Keep up your amazing work Fatty- you are an amazing person, husband and father- and will continue to be be all of those things and more!

I am so saddened, but thankful for all Susan and you have done to inspire, starting with your immediate family and reaching out to a community of riders and good people across the country and globe. Let Susan power your legs and continue your (and our) fight.

I feel the presence of my dad, whom I lost 3 yrs ago to pancreatic cancer, on hard climbs.

Elden, thank you for sharing your life with us anonymous folks. We have been really fortunate that you have provided us with wit, compassion, and hope. We (I) can try to repay by helping to fight the scourge of cancer.

My heartfelt prayers, condolences and love are going out to you and your family. She fought the strong fight with you and her family alongside her. What you all went through is a testament of courage, perseverance, and generosity. Thank you for sharing your stories, your thoughts and your feelings with all of us. You’ve been an inspiration to all of us.

My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Elden. Take comfort in the fact that her spirit lives on in the inspiration she created and spread with her battle. I also must applaud your courage for sharing every step of this fight with us, your mostly anonymous, but no-less-caring fans and friends.

My thoughts are with you and your family Fatty. Susan lived and died for a purpose and you have done amazing things so far to make the most of that. Wishing you strength and peace as you grieve the loss of Susan.

Fatty, you and Susan have touched my life. Once again, I sit here speechless because there’s nothing I can say. I just want you to know how deeply I am feeling for your family. When I lost my best friend last year, I always had to remind myself, “to be able to grieve means we once have loved” and you and Susan are loved every step of the way. Susan has fueled an incredible movement of fighters, and I hope this brings you some comfort in these times that will be so difficult. My heart is with you.

In tears right now. I don’t know what to say, other than the fact that I’m so, so sorry for your loss. And yes, Susan did not “lose” anything, neither the battle nor the fight – she was a winner to the end and beyond. Cancer may take what it can, but it never “wins” – certainly not in Susan’s case. I’d say – she kicked cancer’s ass.

Elden, I am so sorry for you loss. I know what this struggle must have been like for you and I am deeply saddened for you and your family. Be strong, it will be ok. You and your family are in my thoughts.

I wish I could say something to help. When my sister died of brain cancer almsot 2 years ago in Park City I was numb for long time. People would offer comfort and condolences and I told them it was ok, but it’s never really ok, is it? I hope you are comforted in the fact that it’s only temporary and this situation has created so much good it’s beyond amazing.

No defeat, indeed. All the good that is, comes from the inspiration of the good that preceded it. We are each the composition of that which we have been gifted through the lessons of others.
Until we meet again in Leadville . . .

Your family has been on my mind so much this past week. Thank you for bringing your family’s battle against cancer to your blog. May we all battle our enemies as couragously as Susan. Elden, you inspired us all with your story. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

“Pain is temporary. It may last a moment, or a hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take it’s place. If I quit however, it last forever. That surrender, even the smallest act of giving up stays with me. So when I feel like quitting, I ask myself which would I rather live with. Facing up to that question, and finding a way to go on, is the real reward. Better than any yellow jersey.”

Lance Armstrong

Susan’s pain is over. And eventually, you and your family’s pain of losing her will subside and be replaced by the memories of your life together. Focus on that.

I think I’ll go home and tell my wife I love her. That’s what Susan has done for me.

I read your tweet last night shortly after you posted the news. My heart sank for you but I also felt relief for the end of Susan’s suffering. I saw Lance’s tweet – and like someone earlier said, I think it was appropriate to say “Go Susan” even though he didn’t realize she had indeed gone to a pain-free place. This morning I read your post and began to read the hundreds (now more than a thousand) notes from your friends (we are your friends, though most of us only virtually).

One day you’ll have the desire and be able to take the time to read through each of them.

Just a moment ago I clicked to the Twin Six site via their monthly email and finally started sobbing for you and your family. They do indeed have class and with a simple pink WIN and tear, summed it all up.

So sorry for your loss Elden. My thoughts are with you and your family. I’ll take inspiration from Susan’s fight against cancer and live each day to it’s fullest. Hopefully a good bike ride can help ease your pain.

I woke up yesterday compelled to wear my FC gear and I spent the day with a heavy heart and I still didn’t see it coming until I saw the title of your post this morning. My deepest condolances to you and your kids. I just want you to know I have been inspired like never before in my life to FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!

fatty, my best wishes to you and your family. you bring so much joy to the world — i wish that you wouldn’t have to suffer so much pain. keep on keeping on. you are an inspiration to so many including myself.

You have laughed and we have laughed with you.
And while we will continue to fight like Susan,

right now we weep.

When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You musn’t tie yourself to me with tears,
Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now its time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,
Then let our grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a time that we must part.
So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for a life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.

My deepest sympathies for your loss. You have inspired me to do the best that I can to help fight cancer. Without the encouragement I got from seeing you and Susan fight, I would have never considered to the Philly Livestrong Challenge. I will continue battling this awful disease as a member of Team Fatty.

Elden,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your family’s story and the strength you’ve shown and obvious love you share has been a source of inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing Susan’s fight and bringing the attention to the pain that many families face.

I guess we all knew it was coming, but in a way didn’t think it really would. She seemed kind of invincible and it seemed so wrong that someone so loved could actually die. God bless, and take care of yourself and your family.

Elden — I am so sorry to hear this news. You and Susan are in the thoughts and prayers of all of us “out here,” and you are right in recognizing the good that came of her experience. Deepest condolences.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Susan’s fight and your incredibly strength is an inspiration to us all. I feel great sadness for you and the children, and great relief that Susan no longer feels the pain of the awful villain known as cancer. Much love and prayers from Cambridge MA.

My condolences to you and your family. I wish the best for you and your family. Please find some solace in what you and Susan have started. I am committed to help fight cancer because of you and have been working to light that spark in others. A beautiful and lasting legacy.
mj in fremont

While out on my run this morning I prayed for you, before I knew the news. I am so sorry. There are not enough words to describe the pain of losing one you love so dearly. Your entire family has been an inspiration.

We need to take every tear that has been shed over cancer and turn it into a new determination to fight this horrible disease.

No one who ever knew Susan (even if it was only though this blog) could ever say that she lost. Thank you for sharing her. Thank you for letting the world get to know her. The world is a little less bright today without her in it but in the end we are all better for having known her.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family . . . I think we’ve all learned a lot from the way Susan lived her life and I want to thank her for sharing her strength with us. And I thank you for sharing this personal, painful yet uplifting story of hope with all of us.

I found your blog through PW’s first post. It wasn’t until I saw your family photo that I realized that Susan and I were friends 20 years ago when we were in the same class at cosmetology school. It was just Susan, 2 other girls and I. It was a very small class and we became closer than most groups. We watched you two fall in love and get married. She always was kind and sweet. Now I know she was also very strong.

Your family is beautiful and obviously amazing. I hope for peace for you as you adjust to your new situation. God bless your family. It’s forever, as is Susan’s influence on so many people who watched her fight through your blog.

Elden, I have just finished most of my treatment for BC. During my high-dense chemo treatments…I would literally crawl to my computer to keep up with your blog. Susan’s strength inspired/touched me more than I could ever describe. Your love for her has inspired/touched my husband like nothing else and given him strength and the ability to be grateful through it all. Your choice to share this journey has forever changed our lives. There are no words to express our gratitude.

Our wish is that you find some comfort in knowing that you and the kids are in our constant thoughts and prayers.

We are totally committed to FIGHT LIKE SUSAN so that we can wipe out this incideous disease.

I am so sorry for your loss:( You’ve been a wonderful husband and father, you have also been an inspiration to many others. I know you’ll have the strength to carry on the fight against this insidious disease.

I will treasure the bracelet she made for me. And I will remember the lessons she (and you, Elden) have taught us. I am so sorry.

I’m remembering the sweet picture you posted of the two of you, one year on your anniversary. It shows a beaming, beautiful young Susan, and a totally smitten Elden nuzzling her cheek. I have kept that picture in mind all these months as I have prayed for you. Love like that is eternal.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. You have been an inspiration in your ability to stay upbeat and positive in such a trying time, and turn something negative and horrible into a positive crusade against cancer.

I read over the messages of love and support that you have received. Wow! Look at what you and Susan have accomplished! Awareness, a Community, support for Cancer survivors everywhere, an inspiration for so many. She fought an won a different battle, and you were the wind beneath her wings. I’m a survivor that thanks you so much for your caregiving, the love you expressed in your blog, your funnies(I’m sure made her smile – it certainly made me smile) and your tireless dedication to her and the family. You did all you could do for Susan and I thank you! I know She knows you did the best for her Always! Take Care buddy and continue her legacy!

I’ve only recently followed your blog from Lance’s twitters. I’m very sorry for Susan’s passing. Susan has inspired me to get off my ass and live each day to it’s fullest. Susan has indeed won her fight and left a legacy against cancer. I am at awe by the devotion, compassion and energy you have given to this fight. You my friend, will continue to Win like Susan. Her plight has turned you into a new person, one that you probably never thought you could be. Susan is and always will be invincible. And you will always be her Superman. Thank you for sharing this journey so that so many of us can fight with you. My prayers and love to you and the family.

Susan definitely lead the charge and won in the most important way possible. She made the world a better place by being in it and with you created a wonderful family and inspired legions of people. Tragically, she didn’t have as much time as she should have on the earth, but she certainly won. And through her, we have all won as well.

I’m praying for you, your kids and all of your family who have supported you and loved Susan. Thank you for sharing her inspiring life and death with us. She and you have given us a gift by personalizing the fight against cancer and spurring us out of complacency to action.

I am so sorry for your loss. Susan must have a wonderful heart and endless Love for you and the kids, because She fought a long and courageous fight to stay with you. She is finally at peace, without pain, but still with Love for all of you in her heart. That Love is something that cancer cannot take away, or diminish. It is that Love that will support and help you in the coming days, weeks, and years. She will always be with you. 12 years after my Fathers passing, I still feel his presence when I’m in need and know that he passes on to me some of his wisdom and advice when I’m stuck dealing with a problem.

Thank you for sharing your families journey these past months. You and Susan have accomplished so very much through the words of this blog. Your mix of bike humor along with the serious realities of life has shown us all that life goes on regardless of the challenges that we are forced to face. You have spread awareness about the fight faced by families with cancer, and you are raising considerable money to support research.

Maybe, above all those tangible things, You and Susan taught a very simple lesson that most of us have forgotten. We all need to remember that none of us knows what the next moment will bring to our lives. The clock ticks and our world as we know it changes forever. Be it a long battle with a health issue like cancer, or the sudden jolt of an accident takes us or a Loved one away. We may not have the opportunity to say goodbye, to tell those dearest to us how we feel about them. In the future I hope that all of us make sure that we never pass up the opportunity to tell our spouses, kids, parents, and siblings that we love them. That we find the time for an extra hug and a kiss whenever we feel like it. That we do the little things that really are the most important, and share how much Love you have. After all, in the next moment everything can change.

You and your family will continue to be in my prayers and thoughts, along with far too many others who I know are fighting the same battle.

I was overwhelmed by so many emotions as I read your post today. Sadness, yes. Sympathy, of course. But you have done something amazing with this mountain that you’ve had to climb. You have given hope and laughter and perspective to so many people. Susan’s fight was not in vain. You (and I’m certain your sweet kids who have to be inspired by such an amazing mother and father) have made and will continue to make sure of that. Thank you for sharing your family’s story. May you be buoyed up by those who love you most as well as those of us from the blog/work world who know you best through your writing. FIGHT LIKE SUSAN

I am so very sorry. I have been where you are and it is not an easy journey. But my children were my top priority and their need to know that life continued and we would be able to learn to live a “new normal” life without their Dad was the goal that kept me functioning. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers and wish you peace.

I think it’s been about 3 years or more that I’ve been reading your blog and through it have come to know of your love for Susan and the many great times the two of you had despite this challenge in your life. All I can say is that hearing your stories inspired me to be a better husband and love my wife more fully. You and your family will forever be in our prayers. May you find some peace during this hard time knowing that you and Susan have touched so many of our lives.

I don’t normally comment . . . not sure why. This feels different. Your blog has been a staple of my morning routine for a few years now. The news last night hit me like a ton of bricks. I didn’t know I could feel those emotions for a person I have never “met”. You and Susan ARE amazing people, and both of you always will be. Nothing can change that.

I am sitting at my computer crying for a family in pain … that I have never met. Please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers for months. My boyfriend loves your blog and introduced me to it. I have been reading each entry since! God bless your family and the amazing Susan.

“I’m sorry” cannot begin to express our sorrow for you and your wonderful family. Know that Susan has gone on to a better place and is no longer in any pain. May God grant you and your family peace and know that we’re praying for you.

Smile, Fatty. She blessed you the day she picked you to share her side. She did not choose her parents or siblings or other family and even some of her friends sometimes are difficult sort out. But the day she picked you to be by her side, she blessed you. Thank you for sharing her inspiration. Keep Fighting!

Eldon–I’m sorry your Bride is gone. My heart aches for you and the kids. She has left behind a legacy of strength, joy, love, and determination which has not only inspired many on this website but has been communicated to your kids, even more than I can imagine.

Every morning I would click the FatCyclist bookmark on my browser, and hope for good news. I feel very sad about her passing, and am humbled by the amount of people she was able to inspire through your telling of her story.

My family and I have followed Susan’s struggle for some time now. You and your family have touched us in ways we cannot fully express. And even though we have never met we are shedding tears for your loss.

Thank you for sharing and please know this, Susan will continue to be an inspiration for us all to continue the fight.

I cannot begin to comprehend your loss. My heart and my prayers go out you and your family.

And, I don’t think any of us, you included, fully understand the impact all of this has had on the fight against cancer. It may take years to fully comprehend it, and it will continue to go. This is a win… and yes, we all need to Fight Like Susan.

Susan will always be a winner…just from your writings one could sense the bravery and courage and downright love she possessed. God bless you and your children and the rest of your family….I am so sorry for your loss. Susan won the hearts of all of us.

I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to Susan and her family. My wife too is battling breast cancer and is in the middle of her 3rd go around with this horrible disease. Susan is a huge inspiration – actually, you both are!!!!

Elden,
The strength, courage, and humor that you and Susan have shown here have moved me to fight like you and to hate cancer like you do.
I won’t stop fighting – that’s my promise to both of you and also to all those who, like me, have been inspired by the two of you.
Be well and know that you’re family is much bigger than you ever realized.

Fatty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve had to go through. I just hope I can do half of what you’ve been able to do if I’m ever in this position.
God Speed Brother!

Vaya con Dios, Susan; go in peace and serve the Lord.
Elden: you, Susan and your family have shown dignity, grace and strength that most of us would not be capable of. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

Fatty, my heart goes out to you, to your children and to all of your family.

Susan ‘did not lose’ ~ her job was simply done here on this earth. Susan must be remembered by all as ‘inspiration’ and force us to fight this disease even harder. Susan was a role model of HOPE, determination and love.

Fatty, may God Bless you for all of your kindness, for your humor and desire to help others, for that is the true meaning of life.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. Susan is an inspiration to us all…human will must never be underestimated. Thank you for sharing with this most intimate time your life, and for allowing all of us the opportunity to know Susan and her courageous story.

Prayers and condolences. I want you to know that because of you and because of Susan I now go to my sheduled mammograms. I had avoided them for a long time or cancelled by appointments. You made me understand the importance of them again.

I’ve been following your blog for most of a year now, and I’m very sad to hear of Susan’s passing. As others have said though, she will live on through what you have done. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Last week my wife and I were going through her writing samples she saved from her 2nd grade students. Here is one that made me think of the Nelson family.

“Dear Mommy,
I am going to tell you a story about a little girl. The story is called The day Charrott’s mommy died. The day that her mommy died she never stopped crying. A little girl loved her so much she would not never stop thinking about her.
The end”

Our thoughts and prayer go out to the Nelson family. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and being such a force in our lives.

Your blog and your wife’s battle have been an inspiration to so many. My wife introduced me to your family’s story last year and we have both be inspired by your family’s courage. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Hi Fatty. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I also know what it means to lose those close to you, and I sincerely hope you and your family deal with this ok. It’s wonderful that you can take something positive from yours and Susan’s fight. Keep strong.

My condolences on your loss. I only “found” you within the past couple of weeks, but I know that the battle was long fought. May all of us find the “Joy” in our daily struggles. God bless you, your family and peace be with Susan.

You have our sincerest condolences from the Yukon. Susan, your family and yourself are, and will continue to be, inspirational. Thank you for fighting so tirelessly against something we all hate so much.

Hello Elden,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have been following your web site for the last 6-8mo. Thankyou for introducing me and everyone one else to your awesome family. I wish the best for you and your family. I too have my dad fighting prostate cancer and am not sure if he will make it to xmas this year. Cancer is such a bad disease. My heart goes out to you and Susan. Take care, I know you will make it through this period in your life. We all have pull together in times like these. God Bless and take care.

Fight Like Susan!!!! Fatty – I know she would want you to do Leadville. She loves you very much and She wants you to go. She wants you to feel the love and support at Leadville that she couldn’t physically give you these last few days. You are physically ready – Now go and Fight like Susan and do your best! Know that she is watching over you and the kids now and forever. Her love is coming thru all of the responses you are receiving today. Take Care and Love and support from us all!

Your wife did what we are here on earth to do, inspire each other to be better people. You are right, she didn’t lose. Not at all. From all that you’ve written, she embraced life, and knew every step of the way how lucky she was to have you and your family by her side. She won, and so do all of us for knowing her through you.
We started the Mamma Jamma Ride to change the odds for everyone with breast cancer. Please don’t read this as any kind of solicitation, keep riding for LiveStrong. I’m writing you not as the Director for the Mamma Jamma Ride, but as a fellow human being who is sharing your grief. But please do know that all of us with Mamma Jamma are embracing you, and that your wife, you, and your whole family inspire us to continue her work to rid the world of breast cancer.

I’m sitting in my office, wiping the tears away…praying for you and your family.

Susan won.
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Tears roll down my face as I type this. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers for a very long time now. Please accept my most sincere condolences. You and Susan are an inspiration for SO many people, and this is only part of Susan’s legacy. Stay strong, take time for yourself, and Keep Turnin’ Those Cranks! You will get through this.

My sincere condolences to you and your family’s loss. Though I never met you or Susan I have followed along via your blog and I was truly inspired by your battle. I lost both of my parents to cancer way too early. Cancer s*cks! Please hang in there and take solace in the fact that people around the world are thinking of you and your family. LiveStrong!

This blog has been one of the most inspiring things I have ever read. I hope that you and Susan know that you both have inspired and continue to inspire countless people around the world. My sincerest condolences go out to you and your family.

I’ve never in my life on the internet (and trust me, I’ve been around for a while) seen such a unanimous, explosive, and overwhelming show of support and honest emotion. It’s obvious that Susan’s story has touched a heck of a lot of people And that includes me.

As an occasional reader (first time commenter), I thoroughly enjoyed coming to your blog and reading about not only your stories of cycling but of Susan fighting like a true champion. She was strong, and so are you. The entire cycling community stands at your side mourning the loss of a wonderful mother, wife, family member, fighter. And no, in no way did Susan lose, if anything, she’s free. Free of the burden of illness, stress, fatigue, pain, and suffering. Whether or not you believe that she’s in heaven, a better place, watching over you, or whatever, you can know that Susan fought and fought hard and is now free. You can now set aside the stress of Susan’s illness and take time to remember all the great moments you shared with Susan and your family. May she rest in peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please use the hospice bereavement counseling (it’s free) for you and your children in the upcoming year.

Please also keep Susan’s fight alive by continuing in your goal to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. It will be one of the many ways to keep things “normal” for you and your children and have wonderful memories of Susan making jewelry, encouraging you to find one more bike to raffle, saying one more thank you for all of your hard work, etc. :)

Fatty,
Susan, you, and your family have served as an inspiration to us all.
The strength and dignity you displayed during these trying times is unparalleled.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Fight like Susan!

My most sincere sorrow and concolences to you and your family. Susan has been an inspiration to me and many other people in the cycling community to fight cancer every way that we can. I have been deeply moved by your story and hope that through my actions I can continue her legacy. What a brave fight she fought.

I have been a newcomer to this site and to your shared battle in recent weeks and, amidst so many posts and expressions of sorrow, I know that no words of mine will ease the pain that you, your family and friends must feel with Susan’s passing.

Susan’s fight and thru’ you, our part in that fight, has touched the lives of many thousands around the world. This will live on in the memories of all of us who have been inspired by Susan and by you – a reach beyond reach and a true life everlasting.

I feel myself wanting to cry for your loss. My journey home tonite (by bike) will be a time to reflect on those things that I care for and that I could lose. You and Susan have given me a great deal to think about and for that, amongst so much else you have my thanks.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family Elden. May Susan Rest in peace and live in a better place w/ no pain/illness now. Don’t stop the fight you started w/ her help this way Susan will always WIN. LIVESTRONG & God Bless you & your family…..

Fatty, I’m so sorry. I know you and your family must be hurting pretty badly. For whatever it’s worth, we’re all here for you, sending you love and prayers. Though I never knew her, I feel I’ve lost a friend, and I’ll take a piece of Susan through my life with me–what a courageous person! I sincerely hope that when your daughters (and mine too) are adult women, we can tell them that this horrible, rotten, frightening, disfiguring disease is no more. Susan’s spirit shone brightly through her whole journey; you can’t extinguish that by death. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Nothing I can say that has not been said. Just wanted to add my name to the list of people morning with you. The loss of Susan must be incredibly hard for you to comprehend, despite the length of time you had to “prepare” yourself for it. I can only hope that you will be comforted a tiny bit by the impact she, and you, have had on the community and the world through cancer research advocacy, and that you will find the strength to continue your efforts in the future. Keep fighting!! Win Susan!!

I read the LiveStrong post on FB that began, “Posted new blog about our dear friend Susan who just lost her life to cancer.”, and thought, “Oh no, I hope that’s not Fatty’s Susan…” Sorry to hear that it is – my condolences to you and your family. The way that you two turned this very personal fight against this horrible disease into an overreaching fundraising effort against cancer at large is truly inspirational.

My wife died on November 27th 1996 from breast cancer so I know words can not help you at this moment in time. I hope that you are proud of the fight and the incrediable amount of money you both raised. My thoughts are with you.

I am so sorry that Susan has lost her fight. I know that you will continue the fight in her memory. May God bless you and your family and give you the strength to go through the rough days that lie ahead.

I am saddened by your loss. Your story has been our story…and when we hear or see FIGHT LIKE SUSAN, we will know exactly what that means!!! What a wonderful and brave family you have been to help her through this. She must have been so very proud. Please keep us all fighting until there is nothing left to fight about.

I’m so sorry for your loss. From reading your blog I’ve been so impressed with her strength and determination in this horrible fight against cancer. I hope your family will be comforted and have peace. I’m sure you have many great memories that will bring you joy. Her life will continue to inspire others to fight this awful disease.

God bless your work and my sympathies go to you and your family in this time of grief.

In heaven there is no head-wind,
there are no buses that do not signal, no wanton pedestrians, no pot-holes, no bonking, and all the bikes glide effortlessly while being infinitely compliant, both vertically and laterally.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Continue to LIVESTRONG, we will always remember to WIN SUSAN. Through your blog and LS09 efforts, you have done amazing things. Susan’s memory will live on.

i’ve followed your blog since way back when (how many years has it been?) and am truly inspired by what you have done and for the brave fight Susan put on. I’ve never lost a relative to cancer so never I had an idea how painful a process it is.

Though I never knew Susan, she inspired me greatly. Though I’ve never met you Fatty, you do the same. Our prayers are with your family and we are grateful that Susan is now free of the pain of cancer. God bless.

Eldon – Susan’s story and battle, and your willingness to share the highs and lows, have been life changing for so many of your blog-followers. Susan may have lost the battle on this front, but I think you have laid the foundations for winning the war. Keep it going, your message is certainly being heard!! Love you man!

What Susan and you have done Elden – beautiful…in a very big way. All the people that are/will be positively affected.
Your kids have massively inspiring & strong parents. Man. Speechless.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
To all the wishes, I add mine to you and your family.
Love from Ottawa, Canada

I’m so sorry for this time of separation from Susan. She truly is an inspiration. I hope that there will be comfort that she is no more in pain, and her mind is clear and unclouded, and she is waiting for you.

Thank you for sharing her with the rest of the world. Both of you have inspired many.

Fatty and Family- My thoughts and prayers are with you. There are no words that will help ease your pain. Susan continues to fight in every dollar we raise and every person we enlighten regarding the fight against Cancer.
We will all carry a piece of her with us and with that she will always be here. Acting as that little voice in our heads when the climb gets tough, our legs are quivering with each pedal stroke and our lungs are on fire- she will be there cheering us on, telling us to keep going, that we can do this.
Fatty you are right- She is not lost- She is pain free. Cancer can’t hurt her anymore. She has won!!!!!
This is not the end for any of us, just the beginning of a new chapter.
Love and payers

You and your family don’t know me, I have always just been an occasional lurker. I wanted to give you my sympathies and all that, but I realize the best way to do that if to go and donate to your team. I’d encourage others to do the same.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Elden. They have been for months, and are now more than ever.
Susan’s legacy will live on forever through the work that was done while she was here.
Thank you and Susan for all the inspiration you’ve provided!

Even though I have only met you and Susan through this website I feel like I lost a family member. Focus on your kids and family. You are in my prayers.
Sorry for you loss is such a small phrase but it really conveys my thoughts.

Words are futile but they are all I have. Bless you, Susan and the family for letting us take this journey with you. I pray for you all to be surrounded by more love than you can imagine. Know there are many, many, many folks around the world sending thoughts and prayers your way today.

You have my sincere condolences on your loss of Susan. Your dedication to her during her fight with cancer has been inspirational. You are truly her hero. My prayers are with you and your family as you miss her and grieve her loss.

Elden, you and Susan were an inspiration to me, and to many, many others. She will live on in your heart, the hearts of your dear children, and so many others. You are all in our prayers, and I am here for you.

She’ll live on in our thoughts! I’m so glad I had a chance to meet her at Leadville a couple of years ago and know that many of the racers will dig a little deeper this year in her memory and to try to be as strong as she was.

I am sitting here weeping shamelessly for the loss of a woman I have never met, wife and mother and sister-in-law and friend and daughter to other people I have never met. Who touched so many people she never knew.

Thank you for allowing all of us to be a part of your struggle. I wish your kids and your family all the best during this difficult time. Susan has impacted more lives than you’ll ever know, and her memory will live on forever.

I really don’t know what I can say in a time like this. But I would like to thank you for letting all of us learn about Susan. You both have been a huge inspiration to me and you are a truly strong human being. WE WILL WIN THE FIGHT.

Your loss has made me think of this quote from Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry.”

If you believe Hemingway, maybe there is some sense for why Susan was taken way too soon…for through your blog Elden we got to know your amazing wife and I feel as though I can say she was one of the very good, the very gentle and incredibly brave.

I wish you peace and memories to last forever in the hearts and minds of you & your children. Susan will never be forgotten!

When you are done reading these, maybe you’ll remember to hug your kids, and then tell them that those hugs are from someone they don’t know and will never meet, but who cares about them just the same. Even in nights when they feel alone and sad and dark, there are hundreds, maybe thousands of people who carry your families story around in their hearts, and who are sending them little bits of love and kindness and condolences. Out of sadness and loss comes increased compassion and love, and you should all soak up every little bit of it. We hope you will all take some solace in knowing we all are sending you love(….and $5 bills to Livestrong) as our token and symbol.

Elden & family, I have been following your blog for a few years and was hoping this day would never come. I have been inspired by your writing and by Susan. I have laughed mostly but today I cried. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Oh I am just so sorry to read this post. I am so sorry for your loss. Susan was an incredible person and the fact that she has left such a legacy is a true testament to the person that she was. Sending your family prayers through the whispers of the breeze from Ireland.

Life is not measured in terms of years. It’s measured in deepness of impact. Susan has left a crater that won’t be soon forgotten. She has impacted lives of people from one side of this country to the other and around the world. Her story has left a mark on each one of us (as readers). A chance to evaluate those things that are really important in life and treasure those moments.

I pray that you experience a peace and understanding that you can’t explain. God Bless.

My heart goes out to you and your children.
16 years ago my best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer and died one month after her diagnosis….today she lives on in the memories of her friends and her children and all those fighting against cancer in her name.
Susan will be remembered and loved and has inspired so many people to fight. We will all continue to fight and yours and Susan’s lives are a huge catalyst in that fight. Thank you both for inspiring so many people around the world to continue the battle against cancer.
Cancer sucks… keep fighting!

Elden: I don’t really know what to say other than prayers and sorry.
Like you we are the same age with kids around the same age.
Like you I like to ride.
I have been reading the blog for a good few years.
Like you this has been a journey.
Take your time to say goodbye.
Susan’s spirit definitely live on – in all of us that has been touched by Susan and you.
Let me quote another wise person (this time Billy Joel):
Goodnight my angel now it’s time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child will cry and if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart there will always be a part of me
Someday we’ll all be gone
But lullabies go on and on
They never die that’s how you and I will be

We all benefit from having had the opportunity to live in Susan’s time. An amazingly courageous woman who is giving the rest of us motivation to live our best lives. Thank you for sharing so much with us. Love to you and your family.

Susan’s spirit lives on in your love for her, your children and your commitment to fight cancer. These are all beautiful gifts she leaves behind. My sincere condolences. The grace you show in sharing such a deeply personal journey is amazing.

Prayers are being said now for you and your sweet family. Take care of yourselves. I have read your blog for a while now, thanks so much for sharing with strangers and bringing more awareness for cancer research and patient support.

Having just recently encountered your website and thus your story I’m saddened to hear this news. I hope that you and your family find the grace and strength necessary to mourn and to heal. I’m very sorry for your loss and pray that God grants you peace in this time.

“outrageous endurance” says a lot, Susan has left our world a better place. My heart goes out to you and because of your sharing I am inspired to think of others more and to not take a single ride for granted. Thanks for sharing and may you find peace and be able to enjoy her legacy in the kids and what you started.

So sorry for your loss. I am inspired to hear about Susan’s fight, and how many people she inspired along the road. Kellene,Rocky, and all of your family, I hope you can find peace in this time. May Susan’s true self be the lasting memory, and her strength carry all through the toughest of times within each of our lives.

The one I lost was my beloved stepmother, not the love of my life. I has affected me so profoundly that I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling. I have worked very hard to support breast cancer research and The Race for the Cure, but I am a tiny ray of light compared to what you have done. I hope you and your loved ones find peace. I am honored to have learned of Susan only at her death.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so saddened by your loss yet so inspired by Susan’s courage to the end and inspired also by your steadfastness, dedication and love throughout it all. Like many others, I will be praying for you and yours. God bless you and your children and God bless Susan.

I and my family have loved Susan.We will continue to love you and your children. The inspiration for this fight have touched thousands. Susan is immortal as are are you Elden. Love Forever in Lenox,Ga
Steve,Melissa,Adam,Kyle and Kayla SMAKK

today i understan from my doctor some about my seroius desease in the blod , i am a litle scared about it but i can jus imanginate your felling, i lost my father in law to cancer 5 years ago and your writhing make me faeel proud of you and proud of what we done with my father in low, keep it ostron and keep it strong for me to
big hugh

Even though there are already around 1500 comments on this post, and I certainly don’t expect you to read everyone, I just wanted to say you and your family are an inspiration. We haven’t met you, but my family thinks of you often.

I suppose my comment here on your blog will get lost among so many others (the number is impressive). But my hope and wish at this singular moment is of peace and comfort for you and your children and that the love and support of family and friends may be an unfailing source of mental, emotional, and spiritual strength.

Elden – Susan and you have created an indisputable legacy of inspiration, motivation, levity and humor. Be proud of your accomplishments. I will always remember that Susan allowed you to share her story in a way to inspire so many of us out here in your community to unite against cancer and I’m honored to be a part of Team Fatty. My heart, prayers, and warm thoughts go out to you and your family during this time. I’ll continue on this fight with you when you are ready.

I found your site a few months ago through Ree Drummond. I was amazed then at the strength you and your family showed in the battle against an insidious evil. Susan showed an amazing courage that very few have. Cancer has been in my family before, so I can feel your pain. I have my own medical mysteries, so I can relate to trying to raise funds to fight the unknown. All I can say now is that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you begin to mourn the heart of your family.

May the memories never fade, but may the pain pass swiftly. Know that the love of many surrounds you in your darkest hour.

I have been praying for you all since I found your blog weeks ago. My heart grieves for all of you. Your courage during this journey has been unbelievable. Having lost my mother to cancer at six, I believe that your children will one day treasure the “journal” you have recorded along the way. Your words will be such a comfort to them as they remember their mom…and your strength as you so lovingly cared for her.

Elden, Im so very sorry to hear about Susan. She fought a long and strenuous fight till the very end. I am trying to come back for the funeral but am not sure if i can get away from work now. say hello to the kids for me and let me know if there is anything i can do. Ill try to call my mom tonight and hopefully will get to talk to you. I love you all and you are certainly in my prayers

thank you Elden for sharing Susan with the world. We are better people for it.

I pray that you and your family quickly find peace in the remembrance of how bravely this wonderful woman lived her life and how she so inspired us. I believe this will inspire even more people to give to Team Fatty Fight Like Susan, because even more than ever, we want to fight like Susan.

Sending warm wishes to you and your children as you process this loss and transition into a new “normal.” My heart breaks for your children as they go on to live without their mother but she left them with such a valuable lesson in how to live. I wish you all the best.

My heart sank on reading the header. I am sorry for your loss. But know this…. You and Susan have made a difference in my life…and my family’s life. Reading your blog and what your family has gone through and how strong Susan was has really changed the way I look at my wife and kids…and life. Thank you for sharing everything with us. We’ll continue to pray for your family.

I think I first saw your website a while back then found it again, the same day my stepsister Susan was diagnosed with secondary Liver Cancer, so you can still say Win Susan, because there are plenty of Susan’s out their fighting like susan and being inspired by you!

I learned of your blog through Lance Armstong’s tweet. I first read “Six Minutes of Joy” and, being a mountain biker myself, found great joy in watching your video. I then went on to read “Messed Up” and could hardly read through my tears. The words you used to describe your experiences and feelings were truly moving. I continued to read previous blogs for at least an hour. Your stories of Susan inspired me to make a donation on her behalf and I’ve been checking your blog ever since to see how Susan was doing.. I’m deeply saddened that the world has lost a person as special as your wife. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Her spirit will live on through you and your children and through the work you have all done (and continue to do)to fight cancer.
Good luck to you, Elden. I’ll continue to read and support Susan’s cancer-fighting goals.
Sincerely,
Allison Fontana
P.S. On a lighter note, go to Leadville. As long as your children are O.K., I think that Susan would want you to be happy. It will be good for you to be doing something you love and to be among your friends.

My thoughts go out to you and your family. Thank you for all that you and Susan have done to fight cancer and raise awareness. Though all the things that you have done and continue to do, Susan will live on and continue to do great things.

I have been reading your blog for quite awhile, and was hoping never to read the post that I just read. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will miss Susan, and I never even met her. What a strong woman.

It’s the courage of people like Susan who stand in there and fight with all they’ve got that will eventually inspire enough support to win this battle once and for all. You have my condolences, and my thanks for bringing this story to light.

It’s not unusual for me to check in often waiting for Fatty’s latest post, but today, I’m clinging to this site. I read every new comment. And today I’m continuously check Elden’s team fundraising site. He’s getting so close to his $90,000 goal. I started watching this morning when I made my donation (inspired by Susan and wanting to help). At that time there was about $80,000 raised. It’s inching up.

Eldon, your strengths cannot be matched but only envied by most other men. You are special to have had such a very special woman as Susan. Her memory will live on in the many lives she has touched. I am happy that her pain has subsided and would yours also with time. I’ll pray for you, the kids, and your family and friends. May God comfort and continue to bless you.

“No man is an island, entire of it self; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less …..
…. any man’s [or woman's] death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee [and me].”
John Donne (1572-1631)

Susan – Rest in Peace … you DID make a difference, a POSITIVE difference!

I will be praying for you and your kids. Susan has gone onto another place where she is healthy and alive again. Keep up the good fight, your inspiration has prompted me to become more active in the fight against cancer.

I know this is a crushing blow for you and your family, I can’t even begin to imagine what this must be like for you and your kids. I truly hope you quickly find the ability to focus on the great times, that thoughts of Susan inspire a smile or chuckle as you remember the times you spent with her. Find solace in the fact that you have driven the fight against cancer to new heights and have inspired thousands to “Fight Like Susan” I’ll be thinking about you guys as I try to finish Leadville next week….

I am so very, very sad of this news. Although I didn’t have the privilege of actually meeting Susan, I always kept her close in thoughts and prayers. She and her fighting spirit have inspired me in so many ways. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring others to help with the fight. It was special to be able to do something that felt like it was helping…riding for a purpose. Your post about Susan’s fight and leading the charge was powerful. I know there are no words that can sufficiently ease the sadness that you’re feeling. But I want to be among the numbers of people that are posting so that you can know, just how many lives you and your family have touched. God bless you and your family.

I came to your site via cycling but found inspiration and courage through your words that go beyond the mere two wheels we both enjoy. Though I’ve never met you or your family, your brave sharing of the story of Susan’s battle touched many hearts across the globe, including mine.

God bless you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your story will inspire us all to continue this war.

I am sending you my prayers and so much love. I am amazed at how hard you guys fought through this without giving up and it is so inspirational to so many people. LOVE truly does make the world go ’round! Thank you for showing people what true love really is.

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. A woman like Susan will be sorely missed and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and friends … and by the many people who came to know her through your blog.

You and Susan have inspired so many people with your strength and perseverance. Your family is in my prayers and we will all continue to follow Susan’s example in the fight against cancer.
If you decide to ride Leadville and need some support, I’m just a few hours away and I would be glad to help out.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all…so saddened to read that Susan has passed…you are a true inspiration to your family and those you surround yourself with both daily and here in cyberspace…may your memories and children help bring you peace….God Bless You.

Over the past several months i’ve been reading your blog, I feel like i’ve gotten to know you and your family. I feel like I was welcomed into your family with open arms even though i’m just one of thousands who feel the same way. When I navigated my way to your blog this afternoon my heart sank and my eyes started to water when I read that Susan’s long fight is over.

I feel like i’ve lost not an anonymous person i’ve only read about but rather a close friend.

Adding myself into the unending list of supporters. I feel as though I’ve grown to known you, your family and Susan’s battle in the past year from reading your blog. Her story hit home close to me, as I love my aunt in November from cancer, and she was also a fighter.

Elden, even though you do not know me personally, or even more than just a commenter on your site, your family is most definitely in my thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time.

At least we can rejoice in the fact that Susan has done so much for us, like you said, and also she is in pain no longer. That doesn’t make it easier, but may it comfort you to know that she doesn’t hurt anymore.

My deepest condolences to you Elden and your family. Although I never had the chance to meet Susan, tonight I am mourning the passing and celebrating the life of an amazing woman. I am so sorry for your loss. FIGHT LIKE SUSAN.

I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. The fight she fought is one that many of us are or have battled – my mom just won (for now anyway), while my grandmother just got knocked down for the 4th time…she’s still fighting. I fear my fight will come some day too as it’s in the genetics. Supporting Susan, you, and the cause – ride on.

Susan was a true HERO. My deepest condolences to the Nelson family. Fatty, please don’t stop writing, riding and fighting cancer. You and Susan have inspired so many to join the fight. My prayers today are for you and your children.

So sorry to hear of your loss. My mum passed away recently at 59 and she so wanted to fight but cancer never gave her the chance to even start. So glad there are people like you and Susan fighting on the behalf of people like her, it’s inspiring, you do an amazing job with this site. Thinking of your family.

Elden,
As you can see by the nearly 1800 posts above, we have all been deeply touched by Susan’s story. We are here to not only read your blog, but to also; sympathize with your feelings, join your plight, share in your pain and joy, and enjoy your personality.

Susan,
Thank you for your courage, tenacity, and will. The world is a better place because of your presence in it.

Susan has inspired me, as have you! So many people will remember Susan and her strength because of the honest way you wrote about your journey here. People who you guys don’t even know exist will carry on your message! I sincerely thank you for sharing.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. As a 4x cancer survivor, I have always hated the term “lost their battle/fight.”
You are absolutely right…Susan did not lose!
My thoughts are with you and your family.

Please know that I am thinking of you, Susan, and your entire family. Sending as many well wishes and good vibes as I can. I am so sorry for your loss, but I am inspired by your and Susan’s message of courage and hope.

Kelly and I are both very saddened at the loss of Susan. Susan was a great support to us when our twins were born. Following her example, we’ve tried to be as generous with others as she was with us. You’ve been gone for a few years and we had so little time to get to know you, but it was not hard to remember you when we got the news today. You are a great father and husband, and I’m confident Susan is grateful. Please accept our fondest wishes for you and your children.

I had not seen your blog until today when I saw a post on RBR about your wife. Having read your blogs, I can’t believe how strong both you and your wife were through out this most difficult time. I supported and took care of my father during his battle with esophageal cancer, and it was difficult just taking care of him – let alone 4 children too. Cancer truly is an evil that must be beat. I know I have and will continue to donate and promote others to support cancer research.

I have been so impressed by you all, by Susan and her desire to keep making bracelets to benefit others in the midst of her own struggle, by your kids who both take on adult roles and keep being kids, and by you, Elden, who have amazingly kept your sense of humor and perspective, and kept honest about all the conflicting emotions that arise in a terrible time like this.

My thoughts have been with you all for weeks, and today’s post was what I was dreading when I got into work this morning. I know your very strong family (near and far) will pull you through this.

I am so sorry for your loss. You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. Know that Susan lives on in the thoughts and memories of thousands who have found strength and inspiration from following your life through your postings. You have touched my life and heart and I had only found your site since the TDF. I have been a fighter and a fundraiser for several years in upstate NY for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in honor of family and friends who have lost their battles with cancer and am now more resolved to keep up the fight.

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. I know how hard it is to loose a loved one to cancer.
You are right she didn’t loose and neither did you and your family. You all became stronger through all of this.
Many hugs, happy thoughts and memories.

I wish you and your family strength and peace in this difficult time. You’ve been amazing through this whole process, and I am certain Susan recognized that. Through you, Susan changed the world, something we’ll never forget.

Many prayers and condolences. Thank you for the courage that you and Susan showed to the world and thank you for your courage in sharing it. She fights on, for her courage has inspired many others to action.

Dear Fattty – I have followed your blog for a few years now relating entirely to all your cycling posts. I admire your strength in sharing your families journey over the last few years and send my most sincere sympathies to you and your children, I cannot imagine the loss you are all feeling. Know that you are all in our thoughts here in Canada.

I’ve been looking at this comment box for a long time now, at a loss for words…… I’m filled with tears, awe and pride. Tears over the passing of your beloved wife, the adored mother of your kids and clearly a woman loved by so many. Awe over your strength and compassion through this difficult journey and your courage in sharing it so openly and intimately on this blog. And finally, pride in being part of the amazing community of people drawn to your website who have all tried to wrap their arms around you with the gift of hope, comfort, support and love. With heartfelt condolences to you and your family…. LiveSTRONG and rideSTRONG at Leadville.

There are no words that can erase the sadness and grief, but we are praying for you. You and Susan have inspired us to keep up the fight. Thank you for sharing your story, your joys, frustrations and grief.

Thank you for your gutsy postings – about your life, your family, about Susan. You and Susan have been an inspiration on so many levels. May your good words and efforts inspire others to FIGHT LIKE SUSAN until those words become obsolete.

There are many newcomers to your site today whose thoughts are with you. My dad died of cancer last year. I hope your family is feeling the relief of knowing that Susan is free from her pain now. Thank you for everything you have done to fight cancer.

god bless you all keep fighting this terrible scourge keep winning for susan for she won so many with her valiant fight….take the family away for a while may be to leadvile now you should ride ….ill always treasure my win susan jersey….take care my friend of many letters continue the fight. sam k

Fatty, I’m so sad to read this today. I wish you and your family all the strength and courage in the world as you cope with your loss.

You and Susan are so inspiring. As you must realize, through your words and deeds the story has become larger than just yours. Thank you for sharing, thank you for teaching, and thank you for putting real life into a blog that I thought was just about bikes.

I agree that it’s not true that Susan “Lost,” but instead Won a victory. Her plight inspired Fatty to take up the challenge of publicizing the need to fight cancer, and by virtue of being a talented writer, has made Susan’s story real and compelling to thousands of people. As a result, thousands of people got involved in countless fundraising schemes to support the cancer fighting efforts of the Livestrong Foundation. We have gotten involved as well by raising money and attending the San Jose celebration, including the bike ride. I was particularly moved by the video with Eldon and Susan. Later on the bike, the public outpouring of support affected me deeply, and made me realize that there is a vast number of people who suffer in some way from cancer.

As engineers, we like to talk about “root cause.” Dare I say that a common root cause is Susan? What if Susan had not fought (and fought gallantly)? Doesn’t it seem likely that she would have passed from the scene quickly and with less global impact? No, quite the opposite is the reality of her fight. The thinking path is: Susan, inspired Eldon, motivated Team Fatty, generation of more resources for fighting cancer AND more awareness among many, many people.

As I read the FatCyclist headline, I was sort of angered that anyone might think that Susan “Lost.” I remembered how track relay races are run. Even though the “best” runners are often used in the last lap, sometimes the biggest gains are made in an earlier lap. If…cancer developed a huge early lead, I contend that Susan (with her amazing courage and fighting spirit) took a Big chunk out of cancer’s lead in this race. She ran her lap and now she’s finished her race. Cancer is doomed to lose the race eventually, and we will look back at those who had spectacular laps that broke down cancer’s lead. Susan will be remembered now and in the future as one of the people who was important in the ultimate defeat of cancer.

I went to work today, saddened by your news. When folks asked what was wrong, I said “I lost a friend last night”, for even though we never met, Susan has had a part in my life and my families life from when you choose to share her story.
To you, your boys and your girls, I give my support.
To cancer, I give you a fight. Susan’s battle may have ended but all of our battle against cancer just got another reason to fight it. I’m working strong and doing my part to fight cancer (through Livestrong). Susan’s death will not have been in vain.

I can’t believe it. Even after following your blog for years and knowing how things were going lately. The idea that Susan has died is hard to stomach. It takes my breath away, so I can only imagine what it has done for you. I am so sorry. Thanks to you Susan’s fight will live on and someday will win.

I am a sporadic reader of your blog. We’ve never met, we’ll probably never meet. I’ve followed your story for a while now and when I saw the news of Susan’s passing on another blog, I cried. I am sorry for you loss, touched by your love and very grateful that you shared it with the world. I hope the outpouring of love you see here with help lighten your burden.

We’ve never met, but I feel like I know you and your family from this blog. My mom is currently fighting the same type of cancer as Susan battled, its a cruel thing. I’ve literally been in a daze since I read this last night – you are very much in my thoughts.

My deepest condolences to you and to yours, Fatty. While I never had the opportunity to meet Susan, she- and indeed, you- inspired and continue to inspire and encourage my little family. We fight cancer too- every day- and it was with a heavy heart that we heard of Susan’s passing.

What an incredible blessing she was and is still, and what a gift you’ve had by being with her! My prayer for you and for your family and all those who know and love you is that you will all find peace in knowing that her life and yours have touched so many, and peace in knowing that Susan is without pain, keeping watch over the man and children that she loved so much. God bless you-

I’m so sorry and feel like I’ve lost a friend, even though you’re all on the other side of the world and I’ve never met you. My thoughts and wishes are with you and your family, you are such wonderful inspirations. Keep fighting and hugs to you all.

I am so sorry for your loss. It’s not often that I cry for people I’ve never met, but I am today. You moved me with your chronicle of her fight and your fight as well. I promise to do my best to fight like Susan.

Dear fatty,
I can’t find the words to tell you how sorry I am. At least her suffering is over now. your heroic fight was inspiring and through your words I felt I somehow understand , even if I was never in that situation – of fighting when there is no hope of recovery, focusing on the important things in life – family and friends. thank you for making us a part of that. sharon from Tel Aviv. Israel.

My deepest condolences fatty.
I have been following your blog for a year. Your blog has been part of my family dinner discussions many atimes. Thank you for your example and your great fight against this awful disease. You have motivated me to “FIGHT LIKE SUSAN”!!

If ever there was a time to be just one more, it’s now.
So I join the many others here who have been touched by your family.
I’m sorry for your loss,
Thank you for including me(us) in this battle.
Joshua McCarrel

Our thoughts and prayers go to you and your family. The fight against cancer will be won and on that day it’ll be your and Susan’s victory. You and Susan have made me a part of the fight against cancer and I promise I won’t quit.

Elden – No words to express my sorrow. Been trying to post all day but so many want to leave their respects. You were the inspiration for my blog and Susan was the inspiration for many to join the fight against cancer. I’ve spent my day telling virtually everyone I met about Susan’s courage in the hopes that I could move them in the way she moved all of us. Peace to you and your family. To the rest of us – damnit – FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!!!!!

From someone who, a few years back, had to deal with a comparable situation, I’m sure you’re totally focused on others right now, especially your kids, but please do not forget that, at least once in a while, you need to make time for yourself. If the schedule can possibly be made to work, I think you should go to Leadville.

Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. You have been an incredibly strong husband, father and friend, and your children have learned what true love is. May you find peace in knowing that she is at peace.

My sincere condolences. When I was diagnosed, I went to read your story through Livestrong. Susan was an inspiration through my story. I would to thanks her and you guys, and will for ever remember her and her strong attitude. You can always count on us for support and love.And maybe a worldwide cycle ride on the same day could be an idea to celebrate Susan.

How can I express my sorrow to someone I have never met? I am thinking of Susan, you, and your family at this time, as I have thought about your both in the past. My grief is mixed with pride about her/your tenacity, braveness, and goodness. You both have changed me.

Can one person really make a difference in this world? You and your family have allowed all of us around the world to witness that one person can. Somehow, we are all better people for sharing in your experience. Imagine how the world is going to change as each of us recommits to love more and to livestrong.

My family and I are very saddened to hear this news — very sorry for your loss. We all have something to learn by how hard she fought – appreciate you sharing the struggle as it has obviously inspired thousands.

Nelson family, my deepest condolences on your loss. I’ve read your blog for a few years and have been moved by Susan’s fight. The day you wrote that she was terminal, I sobbed like a baby and went and gave my wife a huge hug. Susan has moved many to action to fight this nasty horrible disease, that is her legacy to the world. Take comfort in the knowledge that Susan is finally cancer free and that you’ll see her again.

I knew this was coming, but it still made me gasp in shock. I’m so sorry but I am also so amazed. Amazed at thousands of comments from people, literally all over the world, and half a million dollars raised for cancer research. What started out as a funny blog about cycling has become so much more now, as you put you and your wife’s pain, dignity, humor and grace out there for everyone to see and be inspired by. Your efforts have inspired people, yes, but your efforts to raise money will help more people than you ever could have dreamed of. Not many people can say they have done what you and Susan have done. I know there’s nothing I could say to help you deal with the loss of your wife and best friend, but I am sorry.

Elden – My heart aches for you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss and for the dark moments that still lay ahead. Both you and Susan have epitomized courage and grace throughout her fight, and I have learned much from both of you through your blog. She will never be forgotten.

I thought of Susan when I was giving birth to my daughter nine months ago. My husband and I talked about you and Susan when we were celebrating our anniversary just two days ago. We are long-time readers and riders.

Today the sky over Utah is unsettled. There is a dusty wind making the mountains hazy. I am a native New Yorker, from Manhattan. On gorgeous, perfect cloudless days in September I get sad. In that same way, on hot, windy, dusty, summer days here in Utah I will think of Susan.

I have been filled with trepidation every time I came to your blog during the past few weeks … dreading this inevitable post. I don’t really know what to say, but can’t imagine not saying something. You and Susan have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration for so many.

Being willing to lay open such a personal journey is something I cannot imagine doing. But you two did … and by doing so, you have raised not only over $500,000 to fight the vicious “c” word, but have created a lasting legacy for Susan. For she will be remembered by a legion far more vast than those who knew her personally. Livestrong Nelson family … there are thousands of us that wish it so.

Dear Fatty, I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful spouse. I have learned a lot about riding, life, and love from your blog. Thank you for sharing, especially during these extremely painful times for you. I’m sending you and your lovely children my deep condolences and warm wishes, Genevieve (Vancouver, BC).

Very sorry for your loss. Being newer to your blog from Lance, I have read about everything, and more than once. It has been both inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. Just know there are thousands of us out here that support you and family. Any my family from Minnesota will keep you in our thoughts, prayers, and our hearts. Thank you for sharing your journey as hard as it has been. It has not gone unnoticed or without love. LIVESTRONG fatty, Susan is very proud of you and your boys right now.

That´s sad news. I´m also new to your blog from LA Twitter and even in that condition i can´t control the tears that drop in my face. My truly feelings are with you and your family. Respect from Brazil.

I am so glad to see nearly 2,000 comments here. Just wanted to say that I’ve been very touched by the way you’ve written about her battle and your time with her the whole way through. It can’t have been easy to write about, much less to live through.

Like you, I’m a fat cyclist, and like you my life has been ravaged by cancer: my mother when I was 10, my father, a good friend, the best and nicest mother in law on this planet and many others but I can’t imagine the pain of watching your wife die as you (and my father) did. I hope your life will continue as my father’s did. He was a force in many lives and 15 years after his death I still find people who remember and respect him. Please accept my condolences and best wishes for healing and a continued full life.

Prayers are with you my cycling brother…You have a great group of friends and family around you…Let them help you through this…and thank you and Susan for including all of us in Susan’s story of courage and strength…You two are an inspiration to us all…Livestrong Elden!! Tom

Fatty/Elden/Superman – the news came to me this evening just as I was finishing a ride. My emotions range from sadness – as you were obviously an amazing partnership – to relief as I cannot imagine having to watch someone you are so spiritually connected to suffer relentlessly. You are an inspiration in every sense of the word.It is amazing to me that people that I have never met have touched me so deeply. I shall ride in Philadelphia with both pain and inspiration in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family for today and those that are yet to come. Susan – godspeed to you – watch forever over your family for they need you now more than ever. Fatty – few compare. Ride on.

So terribly sorry for your loss. Susan is finally at peace. Thank you for sharing your story, and all of us that have been touched by your story will continue to…
FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!
Prayers to you and your family-
Deb

Elden,
My condolences to you and your family from my family. I started reading your blog on my journey from being a fat cylist to just being a cyclist, the craziest thing is that along the way I cared much less about the bikes and more abot how you and your family were doing. Reading these comments, and how your story has changed, helped heal, and inspired is truly amazing. So many people have shared their personal story of dealing with the pain of cancer, I hope it only strengthens your resolve to continue fighting this epic battle. Please know that while 2000 have posted here, there are many more standing by your side ready to take up the battle call to rid this world of such a terrible disease.

Susan most assuredly didn’t lose. She lived, loved and fought like a champion. No one is truly gone until the ripples they create in life cease to expand, and Susan’s ripples will live on for a very, very long time.

I am a long time reader who has never commented. I have to tell you what an inspiration you have been to so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And you are right, Susan didn’t lose, she lived and continues to live through you and your children.

I knew in reading your blog that one day I would see a post like this, and yet when I saw it tonight, my heart went straight to my stomach. I’m so sorry to hear the news and you and Susan have been such an inspiration, reading about your struggles and the good fight you have put up against cancer. I send my condolences to you all and hope you find strength in the love that you share.

I’m a former serious bike rider with stage 4 breast cancer and have been following your blog daily for two years plus. Checking on you every day, loving your rides, and so sorry about your loss. You are a fine person and my prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you again for sharing.

Of course I want to reiterate the heartfelt condolences previously extended to you and your family in ALL of the 1,943 comments posted prior to mine. I only became privy to your blog recently when L.A. made mention of your blog on Twitter. That day I found myself immersed in your musings, and crying tears of sadness & joy as I read as far back as my A.D.D. would allow. Even though I could never fathom the difficulties involved in caring for a terminally ill loved one, I felt apart of your struggle – you made that possible (quite unselfishly I should add).

This is how I see it: Susan, raised out of her saddle, is dancing on the peddles locked on the wheel in front of her as she takes full advantage of the slipstream. As she approaches the line she moves left and with a vicious kick she leaps forward and drops the field in a final sprint matched by no other rider. As she crosses the line in 1st she lifts off her machine holds her arms in the sky in a triumphant show of victory – SUSAN YOU WON!!!!

Having watched and read all these years, I will not ever again sit astride my bike without thinking of Susan and her fight. I will not ever again turn the cranks one revolution without thinking of her grace and courage. In that Susan lives on, forever.

The post I loved the most about your life with Susan is Gratitude (5-09-08)-I have it bookmarked. You talk about what “six months to live” really means. I am so glad you and Susan and your family got more time than was expected.

Thank you for sharing this most intimate journey with us. I know I have done a lot of thinking about what I would be like if ever my husband and I are in this situation-I hope we would Fight Like Susan and Eldon.

My deepest sympathy to the entire, extended Nelson clan. Your loss could never be measured. Her story, through your writings, have inspired a group to come together for a single purpose, fight cancer as hard as Susan did.
I am so sorry for your loss. WIN SUSAN!!!!!!!

We sit together at the table tonight as husband and wife thinking of your loss and crying over the news. You and your wife are inspirational to us and we will not forget Susan. My husband wears a Team Fatty jersey at every bike race in her honor and was hoping to medal this past weekend for her. We’ll miss her and never even met her. What a gift she had to make that happen. We’ll be praying for healing during this tough time for you and your family. From Lake Mills, WI.

Every day I visit here dI pray that this post will never come…I am so sorry for your loss. Your inspiration has been vast, I don’t think you will ever know just how many lives you and Susan have touched, thank you. Kim

Fatty
I have only recently begun following your blog. But know this. Since reading about Susan, she’s given me the strength and the drive to quit smoking for good. I haven’t had a cigarette in 3 weeks. And I thank Susan and you. My deepest sympathy and everflowing rivers of tears to you and your children in this time. Susan didn’t lose. She lived strong. And she’s given me the strength to live long(er).

My sincere condolences, Eldon. Thank you for sharing your story with the world. The impact you’ve made cannot be measured in donation dollars. Many people I know have been following your blog with great wonder, concern, and interest. She was an inspiration and so are you. May your family and children be blessed with understanding and peace at this difficult time.

After reading your blog pretty much everyday for the last 3 years, I feel that your family is part of my family in many ways. When I read the first line tears welled up in my eyes and the knot was in my stomach.

I am deeply saddened for your loss but am happy that Susan taught cancer that it picked the wrong person to pick a fight with. Your family has also taught all of us that not fighting cancer isn’t the way that we should act.

I’m so sorry Eldon, for you and your kids and family. I’m glad Susan is at peace and I hope you all will be soon. I’ve signed on every day to check your blog knowing one day the news would come – good or bad. Peace to all of you.

Please accept my condolences, I have followed your blog for a long time now and was so hoping for a miracle for you both. My thoughts are with you and your children at this sad time. Please take comfort in the all messages and support that you have recieved from around the world, so many people have been touched by your kindness, endurance and love.

I just want to add my condolenses to the many others expressed here. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray that you each have peace in your hearts and the strength each day to fight like Susan.

Oh honey. I wish I’d known her the way you’d known her and come to love her the way you did. But even the small window into your life that you gave me in your blog revealed how amazing she was. My life was enriched by her life. She will be missed and not forgotten – I will take her fighting spirit into the future with me to battle every day, to live life to the fullest. Thank you to your lovely Susan, and thank you to you, too.

My heart aches for your loss, and your childern’s loss of their mother. She will look over you all from her now peaceful, painless place and will live in your hearts forever. Thank you for sharing her, and your life, with us. May peace be with you all at this difficult time.

As a follower of your blog, I’ve always felt like a part of a group of friends. Being involved with Team Fatty in the Seattle Livestrong Challenge I felt like part of a family. Thank you Nelson Family for enriching my life.

Eldon – my heart feels for you and your family. My wife and I have been fighting breast cancer for the past year. Like you, we have two children, somewhat younger than yours, but nevertheless.

You need support right now, and you have it from this community, your local riding community, family and friends – among others. The entire experience, as strong as you have seemed in your blog writings, brings stress like no one can understand except you. Don’t hold it in.

Susan has won by bringing that much more exposure and understanding to the fight against cancer. Together, you both are bringing the fight to cancer in a big way.

What an amazing woman Susan was. You both have brought so much to my life. It is strange when some of the most influential people in our lives are people we have never met. You have my most sincere condolences.

I’ve been pulling for you and Susan for a long time now and reading that she died brings a lump to my throat. I’ve been reading your blog for years and feel privileged to have been let in on your family’s struggle with cancer. Your writing is important and will undoubtably help others who sadly find themselves in similar situations. Thank you for sharing Susan’s battle with me.

You and your children are in my thoughts. Heartfelt condolences from Boston.

I’ve followed your blog for several years, my boys go to school with yours, and I’ve even done a couple of rides with you. You’ve opened you life to so many of us, and we’ve all been inspired by it. This news feels like a death in our family too. Stay strong, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

I don’t have any words, really, but wanted to say something. I don’t know you or your family, but have visited your blog often. I have known many people affected by this disease, and just spoke with my mom today about another family dealing with this transition from all-together to missing one. I pray that you will continue to be surrounded by those who are supporting you. Your words are amazing. I believe that God will make all things right again one day, so ultimately that is where our hope lies. But I also think that it is because of people like you, and the perspective that you have chosen to put forth/hold onto that there is hope for others. There is a fight, but it is worth fighting. There is a victory even though there may be pain. Thank you for sharing your life, and Susan’s.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Susan has been an inspiration to my fiance and myself for a long time now. My hope is that one day the work you have done on behalf of Susan will come to bear fruit and this messy, god awful disease will be gone! Stay strong and FIGHT LIKE SUSAN!!!!!!!!!!

I’ve already left my condolences, but I just want to say that you’re on my mind, Elden.

I only “met” Susan once—back when she was pretty healthy. You introduced me by my blog name from downstairs, “Guess who’s here—it’s Caloi Rider.” I don’t think I even saw her, but her voice was audibly cheerful. I felt pretty socially awkward during that whole experience (never mind that I couldn’t even get Botched’s bike up the teeter until you lowered it—I was such a nerd!), but meeting Susan was probably the least awkward moment that day. In that brief moment, you and she seemed like the ideal couple.

Like I said, just know that you’re on my mind. I’m not in Utah, and I’m probably the last person you’d ask for anything, but if I can do something for you, please drop me a line.

“Although otherwise a lively attribute, hope stands quietly with us at funerals. Our tears are just as wet, but not because of despair. Rather, they are tears of heightened appreciation, evoked by poignant separation. These tears change, ere long becoming tears of glorious anticipation.”
-Neal A. Maxwell

I have read your blog for so long, and personally experienced so many of your battles, that you and Susan have begun to feel like family. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers, as Susan has been all along.

Thank-you for opening your hearts and lives to us even at this most difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers. You and Susan have inspired and will continue to inspire so many people to live better lives.

Please know that you and your family have my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. I don’t know you and have never met you but thank you for sharing your life, thoughts and fight with cancer through your blog. Thank you for letting us get to know your family and especially Susan. You have inspired me to do more! Fight like Susan!

I’ve been following your blog for some time now. I’m so, so sorry for your loss. But I sincerely believe that you didn’t lose and that disease didn’t win. No illness could even deign to compete against a wife, let alone a mother, nor could death. Thank you for sharing with us a little taste of the victory that was Susan’s life.

Condolences to you & your family from Oklahoma. As a ‘fat cyclist’ myself, I was first drawn to your blog by the name . Your wife’s courage and strength and your love and compassion are an inspiration.

My deepest sympathies, and thanks to you both for keeping such a positive attitude. I just finished volunteering on the Pan-Mass Challenge (www.pmc.org) fundraising bike ride — we are all riding toward the same goal. As many of the signs along the route and on our riders said, “Cancer sucks.”

God Speed Susan on your journey. I donated to Team Fatty for Susan, the first such donation to LiveStrong. I will donate each year in memory of her story, your story, your family story. “Cancer Sux” was the tag line I used which was taken from Brandon in Las Vegas who passed last year from cancer. My new tag line “Fight Like Susan” . . . . . God Speed

Dear Eldon, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers for months now. I’m so sorry for your loss. Let’s hope that your blog brings more awareness to this terrible disease. My mother had breast cancer 46 years ago, and she was so hoping that they would have a cure in her lifetime. She survived, but is now fighting pancreatic cancer all these years later. Fight. Fight. Fight Like Susan.
God bless you all.

I’m a long time reader of your blog, and I just want to say that Susan was an amazing, strong, and courageous woman, and her spirit lives on. You are a hero for being there for her and your kids, all while raising over half a million dollars to help others in their fight against this terrible disease. My thoughts to you and your family.

So sorry to read the news…God Bless you and all your family…hug your children and never let go…God blessed you all with a wonderful Wife & Mother and now you are all blessed to have her as your very own special angel to watch over and guide all of you…God HAS BLESSED SUSAN first with all of you on this earth and now her home with him in heaven!
LIVE STRONG! Live life…Cry…Laugh…& always LOVE!

my heart aches for you and your family. I echo the sentiments of so many here who have said simply that cancer sucks! and I commend you in your efforts to fight it with all you’ve got. God bless you and your family, and may you find peace and comfort in knowing just how many lives have been touched by your telling of Susan’s story.

I’m glad you posted this in the evening, because I don’t know how I would have been able to explain to my boss that I needed the rest of the day off because I was so upset by a blog post. I kept checking back all day thinking how strange it was that you hadn’t posted, and when I finally checked back one last time before bed (east coast here) I was absolutely devastated. Even now it has taken me 24 hours to find the words to express myself.

The thousands(!) of comments here are testament to not only the work you have done, but the hope you have inspired. You have fought, and continue in an enormous way, to fight a good and proud fight against an enormous opponent. A fight in which you have enlisted an army and a fight in which we will, one day, all claim part of the victory.

Please accept my deepest condolences at this time for you and your family and wonderful children. I truly hope that one day, thanks in part to the work you have done and the good you have inspired in others, no family will ever go through what you and yours have gone through.

Fatty, I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I came across your site only a week ago. Thank you and your family for sharing yours and Susan’s story. These must be difficult times but you have so much support from all over the world, it is truly amazing and reading some of the comments reaffirms my belief in the goodness of people. God bless you and your family and know if you need anything, your family, friends and your internet friends will be there to help.

Wow. I just don’t know how to express this sense of emptiness. I know it is a difficult journey, but God gave you and Susan a prominent role. She has certainly earned her reward in Heaven, as have you.

I lost my wife, Diane, to metastatic sarcoma in 1996. She fought cancer on her own terms and with every fiber of her being, but despite aggressive chemo and radiation, she lived only 6 months after diagnosis and died 2 weeks before her 31st birthday. Reading your blog brought back so many memories, some bad, some truly wonderful, and some I had almost forgotten. You’ve made a tremendous difference not only in the fight against cancer, but also by touching the lives of countless new friends, most of whom you don’t know and will never meet. You’ve handled life’s hills, peaks, descents, switchbacks, and obstacles with strength, perserverence, dignity, love, and humor. You’ve cleared the toughest “moves” life will ever throw at a person–perhaps a bit bruised, but not beaten–and now standing not at the end of the trail but at the beginning of a new one. Ready to ride foward towards shaping a future in which cancer is read about in history books, not medical texts. Big Tibble as a metaphor for life! Susan will live forever through you and through all you continue to do on her behalf and on behalf of all of us who have ever been touched by cancer. Thank you for sharing Susan and your family with us and for inspiring us to continue to fight like Diane, fight like Susan, and LiveStrong. My heartfelt thoughts and best wishes for you and your family during these difficult times. With respect and admiration, from Winston-Salem, NC,

Fatcyclist, I’m so sorry to hear this.
Susan, your spirit lives on, your children stay with a great man.
Thought that the best way for me to show my condolences is to make a donation to LAF.
I’ve a very special friend in Brasil who’s also fighting cancer.
Sympathies from Italy

Your strength has motivated me through your blog. Looking forward to your next entry, no matter when you write it. As a French residant, I’ve never thought cycling was interesting until I read your blog. But your dedication to your family and fight against the unknown is so inspirational to me and others. Sympathies to you and family of champions!

Elden, you have my deepest sympathies for your loss. I am a recent follower of your blog, infact I found it only after my Grandmother lost her fight with brain cancer. The first post I read described exactly what she was going through, and it touched me deeply. What you have done with the Livestrong charity means the world to me and my family.

It’s about 24 hours since I first posted on this thread. I truly hope this is not deemed inappropriate because I am one of those people who always look for something good out of the bad. If you now decide to race Leadville (I am not sure of the dates) you and Susan who will be with you for the whole ride not just the drinkstops are so going to smash that 9 hour mark. If not this year then next. Susan will always be your real superpower as it would seem she has become for the rest of us. You are a truly remarkable family and I think Fighting like Susan has only just begun.

While I’ve never posted any comments before, I’ve followed your blog for some time now, and really enjoyed the funny parts. Susan’s story, well, that’s been quite the drama. It’s a wonderful thing that you’ve been able to help so many others through her story.

I’d just like to offer my sympathies and wish you and your family the best.

I’m so sorry for your loss. I pray God will continue to bless and comfort you and your family as you work through this stage in your life. Keep up the fight Elden. You have been and will continue to be an inspiration to me.
Lauri

All my heart goes out to you and your family. Just like all the other readers that you’ve reached out to and touched, it has been such an inspiration to be a part of your adventures. So sorry for your loss, wish there was something better to say. Wishing you the very best from Chicago.

My sympathy goes out to you and your family. Words alone can’t alleviate, so take solace in that which often can’t be described…the fight of the human spirit, it is one of the primary aspects that sets us as a human race (and your wife) apart. Peace be with you and yours.

I was just a casual reader of your blog but I became more avid as my mother in law’s fight against leukemia progressed. There are amazing medical procedures she has benefited from and I know that it was born of research. Thank you for your leadership in LAF and hopefully a cure will be found.

And thank you for the courage to share you story, you have touched so many and in an often inhuman world, remind us of the power of humanity.

Elden, I have been reading for a while but never took the time to comment. I have enjoyed not only your upbeat posts on riding but also have shed many a tear. I think Russel summed it up very well a few posts ago. You were the one who decided to share your life and your story with so many people. You do walk as giants among men and I only hope that when I have a family I can be half the man you are. You have touched so many people through your story and inspired many more to go and kick the crap out of cancer. I know I have signed up for many more rides for causes because of you. I am a better person for it as well. I find myself enjoying my rides, my family, and my friends more now than I ever have. Inspiration…You better believe it! You have started something great and while it may have started as a way to vent it has evolved into something that you could have never imagined.
Fight we will together..Win we will together…Susan we will never forget. I wish you and your family peace and God Bless. Your kids should be so proud of their mom and dad.

To you and your loved ones my heart goes out. I felt a simmilar loss when my brother died many years ago of cancer and I know that he would appreciate what you and your family have done to support the fight against cancer. thank you! ride on!

Thank you Fatty,
for opening up your life for all of us to draw inspiration from. I personally thank you though,
we may all have heros on bikes, but you have become a hero to many of us that sometimes have no clue when it comes to being a dad and a husband. Susan and you inpsire thousands, and in a multitude of ways.

I’m so sorry to read this news. My heart breaks for you and your family. Your fierce devotion to Susan has been inspirational. Both of you have been such fighters and you will both continue to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Thank you for sharing such a personal story with so many.

Elden,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Susan and you have done miraculous things in this
ongoing battle against cancer…the grace, strength and spirit you’ve all shown during such adversity is an inspiration to the rest of us. Fight Like Susan and Livestrong! Blessings to You All in Light and Love! ~lisa~

I too have lost someone to the evil that is cancer. My father died a little over 2 years ago due to lung cancer. One comfort you can take is that she is no longer suffering. Thankfully with my father we also took comfort in that he had a long, wonderful life– almost 82 years. With Susan, judging from how she fought that beast and what you have written about her, while her life was cut all too short, you too can take comfort that she had a wonderful fruitful life.

Last fall, I almost lost my wife, another Susan, but this was to a virus that attacked her heart causing congestive heart failure. They had to resuscitate her 3 times and told me she would not make it to the morning. But she did and is doing wonderful!! There must be some sort of strength in the name Susan!!

You have handled this situation with far more strength and grace than I when losing my father and almost losing my wife. May you take that strength and hold on to Susan’s strength and keep the fight going. Keep strong brother!!

Eldon
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I have followed your blog for more than a year and have laughed and cried with you often. Your writing and Susan’s grace have inspired me to love deeper and do more and through sharing your family with the world I have learned to fight live’s adversaries with courage and honesty. May you find peace in the days to come.

The massive contribution from team fatty to the livestrong challenge this year is an unbelievable testament to the fight in both Susan and you. Together, and thanks in great part to Susan and yourself, we are beating cancer. I am so sorry for your family’s loss, but grateful for the inspiration your family has provided. We’ll be praying for you all in this trying time.

I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. Susan was a very brave person, from what I understand. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the kids. Hang in there! Because of you and your efforts, her fight will be known by and mean a lot to many.

My husband died suddenly one night 5 years ago. He didn’t get a chance to fight, we didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye, and our children didn’t get a chance to tell him how much they loved and admired him. I know right now SUCKS, but you are lucky that you were able to have some closure. Just remember it could always be worse.
And . . . don’t do anything too crazy for a while. I made too many changes too fast. Please take your time.
Kindred Soul ~ Suzybelle

I have been hanging around your site lately after I found it through your sisters blog. I want to send my sincerist condolences and well wishes to you and your family. It sounds like she was an extremely strong women! God Bless.

Yesterday in Utah the wind howled & wildfires raged north of Salt Lake. The sunset was a massive globe of red sinking through the clouds.

Sitting & watching it with my 9 month old daughter, I could not help but think it was Susan’s soul, taking a final powerful lap around the Wasatch range, & the world was shuddering with her power, and the grief of those left behind in blinding smoke & wind.

Although we have never met, I found myself sharing deeply in your grief, because of what you have written. I’ve been a long time reader, and like so many here, your articulate sharing of this horrible journey has drawn us in…

As a fellow “public blogger” I know that they delicate things & very difficult to write well, they are a real-time art form, a serialized novel of a life as it is lived & sometimes ended, this one started out as one thing, and quickly became something else much more powerful, both in the money you have raised, and how so many have connected & shared & felt more thankful for our own health.

There is no novelists roadmap on how to “write” this kind of experience as it happens, no social guidelines for writing profound pain & grief & making something good from it

There is nothing good to come from cancer, except in appreciating the good days we have, in sickness & health.

Your skill has brought about a singing, a roadmap, a perspective as powerful & moving as the crazy atmospherics in Utah yesterday.

My deepest condolences and thank you for all you have done with tremendous grace & skill.

I found your blog through PW and I was honored to make a contribution to help Susan and others fight the menace that is cancer. Thoughts and prayers from Baton Rouge are with you, your family and friends and especially with your dear children as they learn how to navigate this world without their mother.

Oh Fatty. I am SO very sorry for your loss. I stumbled upon your blog about a month ago and was instantly hooked (I went ALL THE WAY BACK to read from the beginning!), and I’ve been keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Susan fought a good fight, and she was and continues to be an inspiration to so many.

God Bless you and your family as you find your way through this time. You continue to be in my prayers.

I am sorry to hear of Susan passing away, but am glad for her that she is out of pain and free from disease. What an inspiration you, Susan and your family have been while you have all fought against this disease! And I love your observation – you are so right – she didn’t lose! She fought hard and her ultimate reward is to be in heaven – free of her illness and as beautiful as you always remembered her to be! I hope you and your family continue to take good care of yourselves – lots of hugs, tears and talking will get you through the next days, months. I’m experiencing that in my own family – it will be two years this August 27th since I lost my husband and my children’s father. Time will help, I promise. God Bless all of you.

My loving prayers are with you, and your family today. You’ve been an inspiration to 1000’s, and you were a rock to your wife when she needed you most. You’re a good man, and God truly knew what he was doing when he put you two together.

Thank you for sharing your story with us, she leaves an incredible legacy behind her.

So sorry to hear about Susan. But things happen for a reason, and obviously the reason was so that Susan could inspire you and thousands of others to help fight cancer and live life more fully. Susan won big time.

you and your family are in my heart all my love, prayers and thoughts go to all of you today. i know it had to be hard to share your story so far but it has made me think about my life. thank you from the bottom of my heart susan i hope i have half the fighter in me that you had. god bless all of you.

I am SO sorry for your loss. I heard about your family from Pioneer Woman and your story has touched my heart. My mother died of breast cancer and my brother is currently battling stage 4 colon cancer. Words can’t describe how you must feel right now – a mixture of emotions, I’m sure. You and your children will be in our prayers.

My heart goes out to you and your kids. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Susan was such a valiant fighter, and an inspiration to all of us. And you are right – she DID NOT lose. Quite the opposite – she is a winner in every way, and you can take much comfort in that fact.

i can’t help but think of a certain passage that talks about running the race as to get the prize. i just know that susan is standing, smiling now – holding a big, fat, shiny prize. you must be so proud…

You don’t know me or my family (and conversely, I don’t know yours but I’m catching up) however, I just had to tell you that I am so heartbroken for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers today, tomorrow and always. My grandmother died from her second bout with breast cancer. Susan sounded a lot like her, someone to respect and look up to. We’ll be praying for you and the kids.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I’ve watched your blog evolve over the years and I deeply respect the courage and commitment you’ve shown by writing with honesty, humor, and insight about your family’s struggle. Thinking of you, the kids, and of course Susan.

I’m so very sorry for your loss, I will ride with you and your family in my thoughts and heart. Thank you for sharing your story with us, it has inspired me and lot’s of people around the world to ride and fight for something greater!

. ..tears running down my cheek. . .”fight like susan”
I am heartbroken for you. Been following your inspiring journey and valiant battle. May God swathe you in strength, healing, courage–in this heavy, sad sad time–and in all that lies ahead of you. I can’t believe she is gone. God Bless you all.
Peace, Comfort and Love to you
Rebecca

I’m so sorry. I have found myself with tears for no reason since I heard the news two days ago. One way I look at Susan’s life is that of a relay race. She ran an amazing leg and she’s passing the baton. The race is definitely still on and will continue until a cure is discovered. It is now our job to carry the baton.

Eldon, we are all here for you and your children. Any time you need us, just ask and we will be there for you.

I learned about your site and Susan’s fight through the Pioneer Woman. I am now crying in front of my computer to learn this heartbreaking news. What an incredible woman. What an incredible family. There is so much love and support for you; I hope you can feel it like a physical presence in this time when words are feeble and inadequate.

As a fellow patriot of fighting pain, I watch my daughter everyday battle it. I don’t know your family only through this crazy internet, but felt that I was there through your writing. I’ve always thought there are all these bereavement classes, but nothing to teach you how to deal with the now and what you/we go through. Thank you

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You, along with Susan, can rest in peace knowing you fought the fight. She held on incredibly-something that only great love can accomplish. Now that she has ‘passed’ the test of mortality, our prayers are that you can go forward as a family with love for each other and remembrance of the great love Susan has for each of you and you for her. In days to come your reuniting will be glorious! May you have comfort in knowing this as you now experience the sorrow of her loss for a time. Our love to you.

I just found out the news through a blog I follow regularly-the pioneer woman. As someone who lost my mother just a month ago after her battle with relapsed AML, I know how hard it was, is now, and will be. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Wishing comfort and peace to your family, with a grateful heart for the enormous impact Susan has made, and will continue to make. Thank you for sharing your lives with us, and for helping us joing and continue the fight.

I am so sorry for your loss. I am also proud of the work you have done. I hope your family can remain strong and confident in the fact that you did all you could, and have touched so many others in the journey.

No one who strives to live life on their own terms can ever be called a loser. Susan was, is, and will always be a fighter and a winner. I don’t know what your beliefs are, but, according to mine, Susan will now be able to be with us in Philly, in Seattle, and everywhere she wants to be. Right now, I am sure she is with you, whole and healthy and smiling.

What a wonderful perspective to have. She is victorious!!! She won her battle with cancer!!! I pray that God surround you with love and loving people. I pray that He pours out His peace (a peace that we can’t comprehend…but we can accept) on you and your family (and your Fat Cyclist fans and readers too!). What an inspiration you and Susan have been to so many people!!! May God bless you more than you could ever expect or imagine.

Thank you for sharing Susan with us. Her strength was indeed inspiring and her legacy will live on as you and your family continues to fight against cancer. God Bless you all and may you have a peace in your heart.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. I was watching so you think you can dance when they had a heart wrenching number dedicated to a woman with cancer. It was beautiful, I thought of you and Susan and her valiant fight. Live Strong.
With love and prayer ~

I don’t know you although I live close by and share your feelings about some of the places you ride. I also share your feelings about Susan not losing. I still wear a bracelet for my wife’s cousin who fought until a year and a half ago and continues to inspire to this day. He did not lose and Susan did not either. The calm strength it takes to fight (and live with) this thing to the end is the victory and will continue to inspire for generations. Thanks for letting us in.

Dear Nelson Family..It’s so so amazing the power that some people have with their BLOGS. I found you through Pioneer Woman’s blog. Your words that describe your family and your dear wife are so beautiful. May you and yours be commforted at this difficult time and for time to come.She will be missed, but what a lovely family she has forever.

Elden, “To live in hearts we leave is not to die.” Susan lives in each and every one of us thanks to you. Both of you have shared so much of your lives with us that it feels like family. My prayers and condolences to you, your family and our entire family of Fattys.

As a part of the Cycles Gladiator group that works all of the Livestrong events, I’ve gotten a chance to meet and talk with many of the members of Team Fat Cyclist and hear your story. We’ve all been moved and inspired by your efforts and on behalf of myself and the entire Cycles Gladiator team, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. We’ll be thinking of you and talking of you in Philly.

Susan certainly didn’t lose.
She won because she died with dignity, surrounded by the people she loved and who loved her back.
She won because she fought the way she wanted to.
She won because her battle has inspired people to help others.
She won because she will be remembered forever – not only by those she knew but by those she had never met.

Heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. The journey you’ve traveled over the past few years is truly moving, and I don’t think you can be thanked enough for sharing it with us. Thank you for being such an inspiration. Susan lived quite a life…

I found your blog several weeks ago. I check very often to hear your journey. Your love of life and all it contains comes across very loud. You are an inspiration. I lost my dad 9 years ago. Today when I think of him, I smile. I now look forward to those thoughts. He was a wonderful person I am glad I got to know. Enjoy your smiles!

My heart is broken for you and your children upon hearing the news of Susan’s passing. I was late to come upon her story and your blog, but I’m so very glad that I did. What an amazing and courageous woman you shared a life and a family with. She will live on in you and each of your kids forever, and will always be there, just beyond reach, watching over all of you as you continue to live an amazing life. I wish you all peace, healing, and lots of love. My deepest condolences.

What a brave, wonderful woman your Susan was. Cancer is an evil force that bonds together all of us who have been touched by it in one throbbing, heaving battle. Victory will be ours. Victory is already Susan’s. Fight on.

We have all won something from Susan’s valiant battle, and I continue to reflect on what you have shared over the years with readers both close and distant. Elden, you and Susan have touched so many people you have never met in this virtual world but thanks to you, she became our friend too and very real to us as we all revisit, with heavy hearts, your eloquent tales of her wisdom, kindness, triumphs and struggles. Susan’s plight has had a profound impact on so many of us–she has brought home the terrible disease that is cancer and made it all too real–and you have been so generous in opening up your private lives to reach out and wake us all up to new possibilities. Together you and your exceptional family have taught us so much over the years. Her legacy is a tribute to the ethos of living each day to its fullest, putting life’s challenges into real perspective and teaching by example to try harder, be kinder, and to love and cherish our family and friends. Thank you for reminding us what dignity means and for lifelong inspiration. Our deepest condolences.

I’m one who discovered your blog only recently through the tweets of Lance Armstrong. You don’t know me but I feel I have come to know you somewhat through your heart-felt expressions in word.
I’ve come to believe that the way we should define success in our lives is by our ability to show compassion and share in the suffering of others. I think you’ve done that by being there for Susan and by being there for your children as they grieve the loss of their mother.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May God give you a sense of peace and comfort now and in the coming days, weeks and months.

I am so sorry to hear about your wife. I do not know you or your children, but I know a little of your pain. My husband died an early death,also. Our children were 15,13, and 8. Advice now is not a good thing, but I have some for you if you are interested: Please keep talking about Susan to the kids, verbally reliving little memories, because it will help them remember so much better. Now it seems like they could never forget, but they do. Or they remember a skewed version of the truth. Especially the younger ones! And talking about the funny, silly, stupid, and even annoying memories is very therapeutic! God bless you all. Susan seems like she was very special. And you and your children are, too! Lynda

I only recently starting reading your blog because of Pioneer Woman. I was praying hard, wishing endlessly and hoping against hope that Susan would WIN her battle and beat cancer to death and stomp it to the ground. I am so sorry for your loss. It breaks my heart that their mother will not physically be with them any longer. What a beautiful woman.
Stay strong and keep doing what you love.
It’s funny – since I dipped into this blog reading world, I have cried more than ever in my life. So many wonderful and amazing people out there that I never would have known.
Thoughts and prayers Fatty –
Denise.

I’m a regular reader of Ree over at Pioneer Woman and in one of her latest posts she mentioned your wife had passed away. I’m just stopping by to say that I’m so sorry. From what little I’ve read on your blog, it sounds like your wife put up a fantastic fight and has touched many lives over the years. It sounds like she was an amazing person. My heart breaks for all of you. You are in my prayers.

Fatty, my husband reads your blog and tells me about it. I am very sad for your great loss and I will be praying for God’s strength and comfort for you and your family in the coming days, weeks and years. Keep the faith. God knows your loss and shares your grief. You always bring a smile to our faces with your blogs we look forward to your inspiration. Love, and prayers from South Florida.

Thousand*S* of comments in, my comment will be but a drop in the ocean – but your family’s story has moved me and so I will leave these words to thank you for sharing it. I am reminded to be thankful for my loved ones, and also, as the gentleman who propelled me into cycling reminds me almost every day, thankful for health above all else. As witnessed by this page (and even the pavement at the top of the Alpine Loop, for goodness sakes!), Susan and your family have touched so many lives. You and your family will remain in my thoughts, and I thank you for writing words with such impact here.

Just adding my condolences. I’ve been thinking of you all since hearing of Susan’s passing. I hope the thought that thousands of us are behind you at this time will help you find the strength you will need over the next few weeks and months. Keep riding, keep fighting.

Elden, I’m kind of at a loss for words but I’m going to give it a shot…

Anyone who followed along with Susan’s story knew from the start that she was already a winner, so I’m glad in a way that the battlecry has changed from Win Susan to Fight Like Susan. Now it will remind us that (and I’ll shamelessly steal a phrase you know very well) “we are all better than we think we are” and we can always reach a little deeper within ourselves to excel in our own lives and or to somehow make a difference in the lives of others.

My very deepest condolences to you on her passing, but please take comfort in knowing that she can finally rest after her terrible struggle.

What an amazing legacy to have accomplished so much and inspired so many! I obviously didn’t know Susan but could not help to see that she was a strong and determined person. My sincere condolences, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Keep riding, keep writing and fight like Susan.

I’m so sorry to hear of you and your family’s loss. Susan was a true inspiration and a God send to many people without even knowing it. Thanks for sharing her story. I wish for you all that it might have had a different ending.

I read about your fight on The Pioneer Woman blog. I send my condolences to you and your family. You have a wonderful support system and the love you have for your incredible wife will help in your continuing fight. Thank you for sharing her with the world. FIGHT LIKE SUSAN.

I feel for you brother. Just remember the time you had together you loved a lifetimes worth.My next ride here in England will be ridden with you and your wife in mind, tears may obscure vision . Keep on pushing on Phat Cyclisr, I am going to sell a bike (I have over 10) and give you the money. Love your work.

Just as so many others, I have never met you or Susan, but to Fight Like Susan is something I will always remember & pray to have the strength to do. No words can console you at this time, but know that another person has been touched by Her fight & another persons prayers are with you & your family.I too, will always remember.

This will go against the grain but give me a moment. You’re cancer, and you decide to pick on Susan. What a stupid mistake to make. Not only can she fight back like no one else, but she rallies behind her an army of people ready to fight cancer as well.

Susan wins.

I’m so sorry you’re now left with this fight. But at least you have an incredible example of bravery and strength. And you are not alone.

I just wanted to extend my condolances to you and your family. As a recent widow (I lost my husband last year, I’m only 26, he was 37) I can truely say I know what you’re going through. I hope you find comfort in knowing that she’s an angel now and completely perfect once again.

I am so sorry about your family’s loss. I pray that everyone out there will keep fighting for a cure. May God bless you. Susan is looking down on your family with pride and she knows you will continue on with that same spirit that carried her through to the end.

I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I was on vacation in Northern Minnesota (Boundary Waters) and did not hear the news until now. I proudly wore my Fat Cyclist Jersey and T-Shirt on my rides and hanging out around Ely, MN. My and my wife’s hearts are heavy. Take care of your family as you always have. God bless you and you all remain in our thoughts and prayers.

I’ve been out of town all week…So sorry to hear the news! You’ve both been so strong during everything. I know Susan’s in a better place now and will always be looking over you. May God bless you and your family going forward!
Stay Strong and keep fighting!

I just want to join with the thousands of others who you’ve touched and say that I’m so sorry to read this. It’s been a terrible ordeal for you, but at the same time, you’ve done something amazing with it. Thank you for everything.

Our hearts, our opinions and our beliefs that people such as her exist on this plant for a reason, she won them all.

There is a poem that I hold close to my heart, it was read at a funeral of my Nan.

Sincerest love to you all

From this day forth, I will FIGHT LIKE SUSAN

If tomorrow starts without me,
And I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I’d always thought,
I didn’t want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I’d say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven’s gates,
I felt so much at home.

When GOD looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said “This is eternity,
And all I’ve promised you.”
Today for life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day’s the same way
There is no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
You knew you shouldn’t do.
But you have been forgiven,
And now at last you are free.
So won’t you take my hand.
And share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we are far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.

My deepest condolences. I’ve been reading your blog for a long time and have always, and will continue to admire your spirit, strength, patience and wisdom. I grew to love Susan with you, through your loving stories and posts about the kids. I am sad to see this day come, but happy that Susan is at rest, happy that you have the kids to help you remember her, and happy that you will continue the good fight. My warmest and best regards. Steve Courtright, Evanston, IL.

When I read those words, I felt sick to my stomach. I’ve never met you, and odds are never will, but the Nelson family has been in my thoughts for some time now, and as I struggled with my own mortality as of late, I realized that if I had a fraction of your wife’s dignity, I’d quit my whining and face it head on.
And so I did. That’s what your wife meant to me.

Just hang in there, and realize your family, virtual and real, will be there for you. And so will she.

A friend of mine from a triathlon website kept tabs on your blog – I started reading it, too.
I can’t express that much more than what others have posted here, since it won’t do much for you. I am deeply saddened and hurt that Susan passed away. It appears that Susan did leave a TREMENDOUS impact on you and many others – to be strong and fight through life!
I hope you are doing well, Fatty. Continue your fight and keep Susan’s spirit alive.

Susan is such an inspiration to many. Even though she is no longer with us physically, her spirit will always live on in the thousands she inspired. May God keep you and your family as you go through this tough time. Rejoice in the life lived by this wonderful woman.

I’ve been a quiet follower. I have prayed for your family everyday and am so sorry for your loss! You all have my deepest sympathy. I hope your strength and faith carry you through this most difficult time!

I’ve been trying to think of something to write on here since Friday. And I still haven’t come up with the right thing to say. Sending strength and love to you and your family. You’re right–she didn’t loose. And she will continue to WIN as her story inspires so many to fight cancer.

We love you man, we love your family and we love all you have and are doing. You are a true man who fights and loves his wife and family. I am sorry for your loss, and even though that does nothing to lessen the pain, I think its obvious you are not and never will be alone. I am doing what I can in NC to tell Susan’s story and wear my Team Fatty jersey on every single one of my rides. I will be wearing it on the MS150 ride this year in New Bern as well to continue to help FIGHT LIKE SUSAN and make her story known to all!

I’ve been reading for a while, but have never commented before, so I’ll be brief:

I think that you are amazing. Please accept my most sincere condolences. I’m helping my father as he fights pancreatic cancer. I can only pray to have a fraction of the strength that you have had in taking care of your wife and family. She’s at peace now. Many blessings to you and yours.

On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance
to balance you.

And when your eyes
freeze behind
the grey window
and the ghost of loss
gets in to you,
may a flock of colours,
indigo, red, green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.

When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.

May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours.
And so may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.

Only a truly wonderful woman could affect so many. I hope that my life can be so meaningful. You have brought out the best in your wife, and she in you, I can’t think of a better way to be honored. May your family find the peace and comfort they deserve.

As I send my condolences, I also want to express the gratitude I feel on so many levels. For sharing the story and reminding those of us with distance from this disease how deeply and devastatingly it impacts all of us. Also, as a mom, a sister, and a daughter I am grateful for the legacy you’ve left of Susan. Your kids have no idea now how much your work will mean to them later. And, maybe mostly, I’m grateful for how you’ve honored Susan. Your adoration and love for her is evident, and every person, no matter what trials they endure, deserves that. Albeit short, Susan’s life was a beautiful thing, and thanks to you and your support, we are able to share that.
Good luck with the kids and your new challenges! Get some rest, too.
best,
nancy

I don’t know you, but learned of your story and blog from Alicia McCauley, who I met at a conference this summer. I am inspired by all you shared together with your wonderful wife, and saddened by your grief. Please accept my humble love and condolences from Los Angeles, California.

Jesus :-( I’ve just dipped back into your blog after about a week and this news is just shattering. Sat here at work with tears in my eyes – colleagues looking at me like I’m some kind of pansy. We’ve never met and probably never will but your reporting about your wife’s courage and strength are really inspirational. May your God walk with you and keep you strong.

I am so touched by what I’ve read of your incredible wife and beautiful family. I hope the the wonderful memories that you’ve shared over the years carry you through the difficult times. I hope you feel her love and strength, as she is certainly by your side still. My heart, love, and prayers go out to you and your family.

I’m so sorry… Thank you for sharing Susan’s story with your humor and candor…look how much you and Susan have done for this fight against our horrible foe, cancer. I lost my mama to breast cancer 5 years ago.

I cannot begin to express my sadness, Susan fought harder than anyone to beat this disease and she WON for many many years. Her bravery should be a beacon to us all. My thoughts, love and prayers are with you and yours Elden, may you all
find peace and solace.

Oh Fatty, I’m so terribly sorry. You are right, though, Susan did not lose. No one can inspire the numbers of people or amounts of money she (and you) did and be considered a loss. No doubt your grace and humor and charm were as helpful to her as they are to the rest of us who find hope in your words.

As an occasional reader of your blog I was very sad to come upon this news I am very sorry for your loss. MY spouse is a breast cancer survivor 4 years and counting and you, Susan and you blog have been an inspiration for me. It seems to my you and Susan both won by having each other

Hello. Found your moving story through a Lance twitter. Was moved to tears within minutes. I’m the father of 2 boys and 2 girls, including boy/girl twins. Found myself literally unable to keep reading. But I’ve kept coming back. I’m a fatty cyclist myself: 230 on a bad week, 210 when I can use correct belt hole. 190 in my dreams. ride a giant carbon that groans under my current weight. Thank you for your candor, your strength, and your beautiful family.
My kids just returned to school, and I choked up watching mom come home with backpacks and paper and pens, knowing you’re doing this on your own this year. You’re in my prayers. Kevin

I am an occasional reader of your blog and I was deeply saddened today to read of the loss of your obviously beloved wife. My thoughts are with you and your family.

I will never ride a bike like you do, due to physical limitations, but I have been excited to read about all your adventures and the love you have clearly shown through the care you gave your wife as she fought. My best to you from Massachusetts.